A network of digital advocates is calling for stronger safeguards to prevent minors from accessing video games with highly violent and graphic content, following reports linking the game GoreBox to the Tacloban school shooting incident.
Digital Pinoys National Campaigner Ronald Gustilo said that while there is no clear evidence that video games alone directly cause violent behavior, he emphasized that exposure to mature and graphic content at an inappropriate age, especially without guidance or restrictions, can still have a harmful effect on a child’s development, worldview, and behavior.
“Video games per se do not automatically or directly shape the mentality of children. But when minors are exposed to themes that are clearly intended for adults, especially graphic violence, torture, and extreme content, this can influence how they process harmful acts, normalize disturbing material, and affect their developing psyche.”
Gustilo stressed that the concern should not be limited to the game content itself but also to the lack of effective safeguards preventing children from gaining access to such material. In the case of GoreBox, the game was reportedly intended for mature audiences and marked 18+ on the Google Play Store, yet it was still accessed by minors.
“This underscores a serious gap in online child protection. Age restrictions on paper are not enough if they can easily be bypassed by children. Platforms, app stores, parents, and regulators all have a role to play in ensuring that minors are not exposed to content that is clearly beyond their age and level of maturity,” Gustilo added.
Gustilo also pointed out that online gaming environments go beyond gameplay itself. The communities children interact with, the conversations they are exposed to, and the behavior they encounter from other players can also shape their attitudes, language, and perception of violence or harmful conduct.
“For this reason, there is a pressing need for stronger parental control and guidance, more effective age verification systems, and built-in child safety features for games and platforms that host mature content. Children should not be left to navigate violent online spaces without safeguards,” Gustilo said.
Gustilo urged relevant government agencies, digital platforms, app marketplaces, and other stakeholders to work together in reviewing how violent and mature-rated games are being accessed by minors and what interventions can be put in place to better protect children online.
“The issue here is not about demonizing video games as a whole. It is about recognizing that access to mature content by minors, especially when left unchecked, carries risks that must be addressed through responsible regulation, platform accountability, and active parental control over the platforms accessed by children.” Gustilo ended. ###
