Video games depicting explicit content like torture and murder should have 'adult only' rating - police commissioner

A report from a police commissioner has called for video games that depict explicit content such as torture and murder should have an "adult only" rating certificate in order to protect children.

Adam Simmonds, police and crime commissioner for Northamptonshire, used the report to call for the video games industry to do more to protect children from exposure to potentially damaging content.

According to the research, one in four primary school age children have seen something online that upsets them, with the most common cause being in a video game.

Mr Simmonds has suggested a new rating - AO or adult only - should be introduced on certain games in order to help parents identify which content is suitable for children.

He said: "Controversy creates cash. However, today's report shows that children as young as five are being subject to graphic scenes while playing video games that have left them feeling extremely upset.

"Many parents might not be fully aware that these games contain such disturbing scenes.

"It is time for the industry to play a more proactive role in protecting young minds."

Mr Simmonds also suggested that parental locks should be introduced on games consoles so that parents could keep out certain content and that failure to introduce such measures should have consequences for publishers.

He said: "A new adult only rating alongside parental locks on consoles will better support parents in safeguarding their children."If companies fail to do this, games involving extreme violence or sexual content should be banned altogether."

The report by Northamptonshire Police and Crime Commission also found that 30% of children are viewing material online for which they are under-age, most commonly video games, as well as music and television.

The report makes reference to the most recent game in the Grand Theft Auto series - Grand Theft Auto V, where players torture an unarmed man by pulling out teeth and administering electric shocks.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is also mentioned, where one level involves players taking on the role of a terrorist and executing civilians in an airport, although the game's developers made this level optional.

The UK video games industry is estimated to be worth more than £1 billion to the country's economy and in his Budget last week Chancellor George Osborne pledged an additional £8 million to the industry in order to fund further training and development.