May 9, 2000

A big move today by a nationwide department store chain to curb violence in America. All Sears stores, including those in Utah, will stop selling ultra-violent video games once the current stock runs out.

But are these steps realy the answer to the problem? Crime Specialist Karen Scullin has more.

A lot of kids like violent video games.

Josh: "JUST SHOOT 'EM UP GAMES, I LIKE 'EM, YEAH."

But Sears stores will stop selling "M" or mature rated ultra-violent video games after the current supply runs out. But what do those who play the games think about the move?

Joe Leloudis/ Video Game Player: "FOR THE MOST PART I THINK IT'S AN EXCUSE FOR PARENTS TO BE LAZY AND NOT TO TEACH THEIR KIDS CORRECT PRINCIPLES."

But the owner of Nickelcade still wanted to do what he could to help. An area has been sectioned off and labeled the "Parental Guidance Section." It's the area that contains some violent video games. That's on top of the warning stickers placed on the games. Some find all these steps unnecessary.

Holly Hohenshelt/Parent: "PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR EXCUSES FOR WHAT IS HAPPENING TODAY, I THINK IT STEMS BACK TO PARENTING."

Josh McKee/Video Game Player: "I THINK IT WOULD BE BETTER TO GO OUT AND PLAY A VIDEO GAME AND GET YOUR STRESS OUT THAT WAY INSTEAD OF GOING AND KICKING SOMEBODY'S ___. ON THE OTHER HAND I GUESS IT COULD INFLUENCE SOME KIDS."

But the Utah Parent Teachers Association says "hooray" for any move to curb violence and save children. And they believe violent video games do have an impact on those who play.

Colleen Taylor/Utah P.T.A.: "EVEN THOUGH SOME KIDS SAY IT WON'T BOTHER THEM ONE WAY OR THE OTHER, THERE'RE STATISTICS TO SHOW IT IS CAUSING SOME PROBLEMS. AND THE PROBLEM IS YOU DON'T KNOW WHO IT WILL EFFECT ADVERSLY."