James Lee 08:19 (BST)
23/07/2008

New York's Governor David A Paterson has signed a bill pledging the State will explore the negative effects of violent videogames on children and that will require consoles to offer parental controls.

Under the conditions of the bill an advisory council will be established to conduct a study on the connection between interactive media and real-life violence in minors. Paterson's bill also mandates that new consoles should feature parental lockout controls by 2010, and that games sold at retail display the ratings obtained from the ESRB, the US gaming industry's voluntary rating system.

"We have the obligation to be constantly vigilant about amending our laws to protect the residents of New York State. Many of these bills will do just that by closing loopholes or creating new laws to enhance the quality of life for all New Yorkers," said Governor Paterson.

"The first duty of government is to provide a safe society for our resident to live, work and raise their families. These new laws will enhance the protections afforded to the citizens of this state and will address gaps in protection that have existed for years. I applaud the Legislature for working with me and my staff to reach agreements on fixing these problems."