Conn. consider creating video game task force

AP Modified

Updated: Feb 26, 2013 11:49 AM

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut lawmakers are being urged to forbid arcades and other establishments from allowing children under 18 to operate point-and-shoot video games on their premises.

The bill, which also creates a task force to study the effects of violent video games on youth behavior, was discussed Tuesday during a public hearing before the Legislature's Children's Committee.

New Haven Sen. Toni Harp said she has no doubt there's a link between such games and violent behavior exhibited by youth. She said they desensitize children to gun violence.

A group of media trade associations known as Media Coalition, Inc., calls the bill unconstitutional, saying video games are fully protected speech.

The 20-year-old man who killed 26 children and educators in Newtown played violent video games but it's unclear what lead to the massacre.

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