Free Speech for the Mature Audience

There is a large debate going on in California regarding violent video game access to minors.  I have fairly strong feelings about this topic in general.

My son plays mature video games.  He cannot buy or rent them by himself, which means that if he wants such a game, I have to buy it for him.  Pretty much like a rated R movie.  He cannot buy the ticket himself but I can buy it for him.

I am a proponent of the rating system because I want to know what has sexually explicit material or hard core violence.  Then I can use that rating to determine if my son should have access.  I don't prevent him form seeing things.  My approach is much more to view these movies or watch these video games with him and then discuss the topic with him.  Note there are some movies and video games that I have said NO to after my understanding or viewing of the content.

I think total prevention and banning are free speech violations.  Personally, I do not want my books, movies or for that matter any form of expression blocked.  I may not agree with the expression or format but that does not make it wrong.  I do however want to be aware of what I am going to see so that I can make a conscious decision on the appropriateness for my son.

And that is where I think the real issue lies.  Some parents tend to abdicate responsibility.  It is much easier to let the law decide morality or to hide behind a church.  It is harder to address issues with kids and explain why an action is wrong or questionable.  We need to give our kids the tools to make good decisions because we cannot hide the "ugly" from them forever.  Let's face it, your kids will see mature only video games or rated R movies at their friend's houses or secretly via the internet.  They will be exposed to drugs and alcohol and sex and neither you, the government or the church can prevent that.

Parents need to step up and discuss tough issues with their kids.  Help them learn how to make good choices and not simply rely on being TOLD what to do.