UK School Group to Report Kids Who Play 18+ Games for Neglect

Those under the age of 18 who play games suck as Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty may be reported to the authorities in Cheshire, UK, with their parents being alleged to have committed neglect, the Guardian reports. 

The Nantwich Education Partnership, which covers 15 primary schools and one secondary school, has issued a letter penned by principals warning parents not to allow underage access to 18+ games. 

In the letter, the principals wrote, "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."

Mary Hennessy Jones, who drafted the letter, told the Sunday Times: “We are trying to help parents to keep their children as safe as possible in this digital era. It is so easy for children to end up in the wrong place and parents find it helpful to have very clear guidelines.”

However, parents groups have said the letter isn't helpful. 

“Accepting the huge concerns about these violent games and their effect on children, I think the schools are stepping outside the realm of what is probably acceptable,” commented Parents Outloud's Margaret Morrissey.

“It will be construed by many parents as a threat and it is not helpful. If schools want to get the support of parents and gain their confidence, threatening them with social services will not help.”