Violent video games are being attacked by a Kent MP and media watchdogs who feel not enough is being done to protect young people using them.

Canterbury MP Julian Brazier is calling for tighter regulations and more accountability from the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) who decide what audience a game or film is suitable for.

His comments come after Ashford groundsman Ryan Chinnery, 19, was jailed indefinitely for attacking four women after playing the controversial computer game Grand Theft Auto.

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Mr Brazier said: "I am deeply concerned at the number of violent games and DVDs making us a more violent society."

Last year, Mr Brazier tabled a private members bill in the House of Commons calling for Parliament to have the power to veto the appointment of the BBFC president and to give the public an appeal process on film and game classifications.

He added: "People imitate what they watch and with stronger violence being present in games we are encouraging a violent culture in Britain.

"For example [the BBFC] have removed the ban on showing knife fights in games to teenagers under 18 and that should not be the case. I'd like to see the BBFC made more accountable for their decisions."

Director of Ashford’s Mediawatch UK John Beyer said: “The problem is fuelled by the fact it is a highly competitive industry. If you create a game which is more gory and violent than your competitors it creates headlines and publicity."

~ Audio: Listen to John Beyer's views on the subject >>>

British Board of Film Classification spokesman Sue Clark said: "We are more cautious when classifying games than we are with films because of the element of interactivity with users.

"There is little evidence of a direct correlation between games and influencing a person’s behavior - but there is evidence those more inclined towards violence are more likely to buy more violent computer games.

"We have the power to reject a game or to tell a games company to tone down a game and we have used it in the past."

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