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Poland plans parental guidance labels for video games
Warsaw | February 26, 2006 11:15:06 AM IST
Video game producers will have to include consumer warnings on the product's suitability for children in packaging details if a law currently being drafted comes into effect in Poland.
Poland's Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy Joanna Kluzik-Rostkowska told the Rzeczpospolita daily Saturday that the PEGI (Pan-European Game Information) parental warning system was likely to be adopted.
The PEGI age rating system was set up in 2003 to guide parents buying video games and is supported by major video game producers. The aim is to ensure that children are not exposed to games unsuitable for their age group.
Although Poland has no parental guidance legislation in this regard, some large manufacturers have already labelled their products with the PEGI system by posting suggested ages and warning of offensive language, sexual content or violence on a voluntary basis.
Australia and New Zealand have enforced some of the toughest legislation in the world, introducing bans on excessively violent video games.
Poland intends to consult its draft legislation with producers prior to it being tabled in parliament this July.
--DPA
Liz Woolley