Vol. 505 No. 6
247 Mr. M. Brady asked the Minister for Education and Science the consideration, if any, he has given to initiating a study into the behavioural implications for school children from exposure to fantasy games in view of the murders at the Columbine high school in the United States and the exposure of those responsible to these games; his views on the necessity for launching an appropriate parent awareness campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14276/99]
I assure the Deputy that I am very concerned at any potentially negative effects the games to which he refers may have on children. Such games are not used in the implementation of Irish school curricula.
While I have no immediate plans to initiate a study as stated by the Deputy, the National Centre for Technology in Education, at my request, has issued to all primary schools a booklet entitled Internet Acceptable Use – Policy Guidelines for Irish Primary Schools. While the booklet is targeted mainly at schools, it contains advice for parents and draws their attention to the need for parental supervision with regard to allowing children access to the Internet and to unacceptable software including video games.
