Are there any laws governing parental control over video game content?

Yes, there are laws governing parental control over video game content in West Virginia. The West Virginia Code States that parents are responsible for supervising the use their child makes of video game systems, and there are specific prohibitions in place. It states that no person may sell or rent any video game to a minor unless the minor is accompanied by a parent or guardian and the parent or guardian has reasonable evidence of age or has signed a written statement allowing the minor to purchase the video game, or the parent or guardian has acknowledged in writing that the video game contains content inappropriate for the minor. In addition, the West Virginia legislature has passed a law that requires video game retailers to prominently display a sign stating that children under the age of 18 may not purchase any video game with a rating of "M" or "AO" unless accompanied by a parent or guardian who is at least 18 years of age. This law also states that any person who knowingly and intentionally sells or rents a video game to a minor without parental or guardian approval is guilty of a misdemeanor. The consequences for this offense can range from fines to imprisonment. Finally, the West Virginia Code requires that all video game systems come with parental control options that allow parents to control what their child can and cannot access, such as blocking online access, limiting the amount of time their child can spend playing video games, and limiting the types of games their child is able to play.

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