Parents of underage kids who play 18-rated games could be reported to police

Headteachers from a group of schools in Cheshire have issued a warning to parents who allow their children to play violent 18-rated video games.

The Guardian reports that the Nantwich Education Partnership says it will inform the police of parents who allow their sometimes primary aged kids to play games such as Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty. They are also uneasy about the growing access to social media enjoyed by many children in the area.

If your child is allowed to have inappropriate access to any game or associated product that is designated 18+, we are advised to contact the police and children’s social care as this is deemed neglectful,” a draft letter said.

One of the letter’s co-authors added that its intention is purely to help parents obtain the knowledge needed to keep their kids safe in the digital age.

However, critics have responded by saying that it will more likely than not be perceived as a threat and is stepping outside the realm of what is probably acceptable”, according to Margaret Morrissey, from the pressure group Parents Outloud.

The news comes amid a background of increased governmental pressure for those in authority positions to report any suspected child abuse to authorities. In the wake of scandals such as the Jimmy Saville controversy it is even being suggested that those who fail to alert authorities be imprisoned.