FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Patricia Yoxall
(312) 670-6782
Jennifer Brown
(202) 289-6790

Washington, DC—Today National PTA President Lois Jean White expressed support for the coin-operated video game industry's implementation of the Coin-Operated Video Game Parental Advisory System. "The National PTA is pleased to see voluntary effort by the amusement machine equipment industry to provide parents with content information about the video games children play so that they may decide what is appropriate for their families."

"The advisory system is a crucial starting point," said White. "Our organisation encourages the continuation of such initiatives and believes the next step for the industry is to reduce the number of video games with violent themes. We thank Senators Lieberman and Kohl for keeping the issue of video game content in the public spotlight."

Studies show that violent video games can raise children's levels of aggression and suppress their inclination to engage in pro-social behaviours. The National PTA continues to work to educate and increase the awareness of the impact of violent video games, television content, and other interactive media. The organisation actively supports efforts to end the violence in video games and other media that desensitise consumers to the value of life.

The National PTA is the largest volunteer child advocacy organisation in the United States. A not-for-profit organisation of parents, educators, students, and other citizens active in their schools and communities, the PTA is a leader in reminding our nation of its obligations to children. Membership in the National PTA is open to anyone who is concerned with the health, education, and welfare of children and youth. For more information on National PTA membership, please call the Membership Department at (800) 307-4782, or visit the National PTA's website at www.pta.org.