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Online underage sales still a widespread problem
Information released by the Trading Standards Institute shows that almost 90% of traders tested as part of an under-cover operation, supplied age restricted video games to children on-line.
Volunteers aged between 12 and 16 carried out 44 test purchases on a range of websites, which resulted in the supply of 38 violent video games.
Worryingly the purchases came at a time when there has been mass media speculation about the effect of violent games on young people, following the release of the new edition of the popular Grand Theft Auto game, which is classified as an ‘18’ product.
A game classified as ‘18’ contains 'strong violence with realisitic injury detail, strong horror, language, sex references and depictions of sexual activity.'
Brandon Cook, TSI lead officer for age restricted sales, warned: “Traders selling goods over the internet have a responsibility to make sure they have methods in place to avoid breaking the law by making underage sales.
If traders cannot be sure the person they are selling to is over 18, then they should not be selling.”
This news reflects similar findings to those published by Brent and Harrow Trading Standards, who found that 9 out of 12 retailers tested sold age restricted products such as alcohol and knives to children.
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Further Information
Businesses commit an offence under the Video Recordings Act 1984 whenever they sell to a child a video game that carries a statutory age restriction of 18 years. A person guilty of an offence under section 11 of this act is liable, on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding level five on the standard scale, or both. Further guidance is available at: http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/
For a demonstration of how 192’s Age Verification solution can help protect your business from selling age restricted goods to youngsters, please request a demo, or contact us for further information.
