Adult games banned in prisons
Monday, 28 Jul 2008 09:05
Games like Ninja Gaiden 2 are to be banned in prisons, although less 'mature' titles won't be
Prisoners in England and Wales are set to be banned from playing 18-rated games, according to the BBC.
Such adult titles will be removed from prisons by September 30th, a cut seen as a result of prison overcrowding.
Inmates who show good behaviour under the new rules will still be allowed to play other, less 'mature' games, as will those at risk of suicide.
The Prison Reform Trust (PRT) said games were "no substitute for purposeful activity like work or education classes." I suppose it depends what game you are playing ... Civilisation IV? Brain Training?
"We should not forget the usefulness of these games to prison officers and governors keeping order in overcrowded prisons," continued Geoff Dobson, spokesperson for the PRT.
"This instruction ensures consistency across the prison estate with regards to the use of games consoles as part of the earned privileges scheme.
"For those prisoners permitted to use games consoles in cell, the cost of purchasing consoles and games will rest solely upon the prisoner and will not be met by the taxpayer."
In 2007, the government spent £10,000 supplying young offender institutions with 80 PlayStations and 15 Xboxes.