Games and DVDs that have 18 certificates

Age no barrier to buying restricted DVDs and games

An alarming number of online retailers are selling 18-certificate games and DVDs to youngsters, according to a new survey.

Staffordshire Trading Standards carried out the test purchases with a supervised 14-year-old volunteer who used their own Visa debit card. They even managed to buy an uncertified film.

All eleven sites that were tested sold age restricted goods to the purchaser. The haul included:

·                    3 x 18 certificate games - 2 Manhunt and 1 Grand Theft Auto

·                    1 x 18 certificate film - Saw 3

·                    1 x 15 certificate film - Child's Play

·                    1 x uncertified film - The Ranch

Two sites requested a date of birth and refused a sale when the correct age was entered. However, when the volunteer simply changed their date of birth the sale was processed. Other sites tested either simply required the purchaser to confirm that they were over 18 by opting in or in some cases sold the good without questioning age.

Although online traders are covered by the same laws on age restricted goods as other retailers, a wide number do not have robust procedures in place to check age via their websites. 

"This exercise was carried out as part of a wider piece of work for the Trading Standards Institute and results," said Carol Dean, the county council's Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities.  "The fact that it was so simple for a 14 year old to obtain age restricted goods shows that the issue of internet sales is still a real concern.

"We would urge parents to do everything they can to check what their children are doing on the computer and we hope that this demonstrates to them just how easy it is for young people to get their hands on these items.  As Christmas fast approaches, we would also remind consumers not to buy goods such as 18 certificate video games as presents for young people as they are renowned for violence and are totally unsuitable.

"Businesses also have a major responsibility here and it's important that they realise the implications of selling these goods - both for themselves and those making purchases. There is a need for sellers of online goods to take more action on age verification.

"The companies who sold the products as part of our test exercise are now under investigation and could face prosecution."

The results of the survey coincide with National Consumer Week, which runs from 17 November 2008. For more information visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

Page Last Modified: 17/11/2008 10:30:10

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