As New York fights to crack down on violent and sexually explicit video games, Democrats and Republicans agree that something should be done. But there has been disagreement as to the appropriate course of action.

The Republican-led Senate recently proposed a hard line rating system, enforced by felony charges, in place of the industry standards. But creating a state rating with harsh penalties for violators may be unconstitutional and video game producers would undoubtedly sue.

Gov. Eliot Spitzer has expressed concern that state efforts to curb distribution to minors could be jeopardized if the issue is brought to the courts. The Democratic-led Assembly has passed a bill prohibiting the sale of games rated “M” for mature to children under the age of 18; however, I doubt very much that the popularity of violent and/or sexy games will decline or that the measure will have any impact on sales.

The more violent and sexually indecent a game is, the more popular it is going to be with teenage boys, the target audience. Secondly games can easily be traded among friends or purchased/rented online. In fact many such games can be played online.

But it doesn't seem fair to blame or attack the video game industry for what should be parental responsibility. If a 10-year-old was found alone at home watching rated “R” films, would you sue Miramax?

In today's economy, mom and dad both need to work. As soon as a child is old enough to be left at home alone, they almost have to be. But just because an adolescent is at home alone or with a baby-sitter doesn't mean that parents can't investigate what their teenage children are doing from nine to five. It's easy to say, “all that boy does is play video games,” but somehow difficult to say, “I don't want you playing these specific games and if you disobey me there will be consequences.”

Of course I realize that the best parent is the one with brilliant theories about parenting and no children.

On the bright side, violent and sexy video games seem to have taken a back seat to the overwhelming popularity of “Guitar Hero,” a sort of technologically sophisticated air guitar. The player must play the scrolling notes of rock songs as made famous by popular bands. It's challenging and there is no violence or sexually explicit content.

Who would have thought that heavy metal would one day be a clean, wholesome alternative for America's youth?

Estabrook's column appears Mondays in The Citizen, and she can be reached at

estabrookcarole@yahoo.com