UK online retailers caught selling violent games to minors

Underage children are able to buy violent video games through auction websites, says the UK Trading Standards Institute.

Reported in the national press and on the BBC this morning, 44 children as young as 12 were recruited by Welsh Trading Standards in order to buy 18 rated games online via postal order. Out of the 44 purchase attempts, 38 traders went through with the transactions.

"This survey shows how easily children can gain access to age-restricted, violent video games," said acting head of Trading Standards at Bridgend County Borough Council Lee Jones, who was speaking with the BBC.

"If traders cannot be sure the person they are selling to is over 18, then they should not be selling."

Retailers supplying video games to an underage person can face a fine or up to six months in jail.