Aquino rejects video game ban, pushes School Safety Act after Tacloban shooting

The senator called for stricter age restrictions on mature-rated games instead.

Sen Bam pushes for School Safety Act

Ban video games? Studies disagree

Senator Bam Aquino has rejected the blanket ban on video games, emphasizing the urgent passage of the proposed School Safety Act to ensure the safety of those inside school premises.

The senator made the statement after Malacañang said President Bongbong Marcos is open to banning "violent" online games, following reports that online content allegedly influenced the behavior of teenage shooters in Tacloban.

Mas maraming studies na ginawa na nagsasabing walang correlation between video games and school shooting, said Aquino, chairperson of the Committees on Basic Education and Science and Technology.

Instead of a blanket ban, Aquino called for stricter enforcement of age restrictions on mature-rated games, similar to existing rules for films and television programs.

He also stressed that parents play a critical role in monitoring the games their children access and ensuring they are only exposed to age-appropriate content.

Likewise, game developers have a responsibility to make online gaming platforms safer, particularly those intended for children, by strengthening safeguards against online predators, extremist groups, and other harmful individuals.

Dahil pang-bata iyan, iyong developers mayroong silang responsibility na ma-monitor, ma-check at ma-ban iyong mga predators o iyong mga tao doon na may masasamang balak, Aquino said.

The senator is pushing for the passage of his proposed School Safety Act to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and other school personnel following the school shooting in Tacloban City that left three students dead and 20 people wounded.

Among his initial proposals are the installation of more CCTV cameras, the deployment of additional barangay tanods and security personnel, and regular Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meetings to discuss school safety concerns and other preventive measures.

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Source: Senate of the Philippines