Story by Nicholas Salgado
Staff Writer
The U.S. Supreme Court is currently reviewing a California law that would regulate the selling of violent video games to minors, which would affect Bishop Amat students who play games like “Call of Duty” and “Halo.”
According to The Los Angeles Times, in 2005, California enacted a law that banned the sale of mature video games to minors in the state. However the law did not go into effect when video game makers challenged it in federal court.
Students at Amat said they think the law is pointless.
“I think it’s a stupid law,” said junior Hanz Tacotaco, a “Call of Duty” gamer. “All the M rated games are the best.”
Students said they see it as the government treating teenagers like children.
“Teenagers aren’t stupid,” junior Michelle Rivera said. “We understand reality from fantasy.”
There are also gamers at Amat who do not mind California regulating the selling of violent video games.
“The law is just looking out for the people, we should understand that they are trying to protect us,” junior Michael Lu said.
Sophomore Tochi Nwosu said such a law would protect young children.
“Not all children are smart enough to know what’s right from wrong,” he said. “They will do things that are wrong so this is why the government should step in so they can protect them.”
The law is similar to those at movie theaters.
“Like movies the law has a say,” said English teacher and counselor Mr. Gabriel Escovar. “Parents have the power to decide what is right and wrong for their children.”
