Exploring Advocacy and Policy Strategies to Change Video Game Content: A Focus on Tobacco
Objective
In this study, we aimed to understand video game industry stakeholders’ perceptions of tobacco content in games and opportunities for public health advocates to reduce exposure to tobacco through games among youth.
Methods
We conducted qualitative interviews with researchers and advocates in public health (N = 8); and people who have worked within the video game industry (N = 4).
Results
Our interviews provided insights on the video game rating system as a means of handing controversial game content, the importance of research linking video game playing with health behaviors, the role of controversy in promoting changes to industry behavior, and First Amendment issues that arise when regulations are proposed.
Conclusions
We identified potential strategies for reducing tobacco content in video games video games that youth play.
In this study, we aimed to understand video game industry stakeholders’ perceptions of tobacco content in games and opportunities for public health advocates to reduce exposure to tobacco through games among youth.
Methods
We conducted qualitative interviews with researchers and advocates in public health (N = 8); and people who have worked within the video game industry (N = 4).
Results
Our interviews provided insights on the video game rating system as a means of handing controversial game content, the importance of research linking video game playing with health behaviors, the role of controversy in promoting changes to industry behavior, and First Amendment issues that arise when regulations are proposed.
Conclusions
We identified potential strategies for reducing tobacco content in video games video games that youth play.
Keywords: adolescent health; child health; health policy; tobacco advertising regulation; tobacco imagery; tobacco use and control; video games; violence
Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: 01 September 2018
- Health Behavior and Policy Review is a rigorously peer-reviewed scholarly bi-monthly publication that seeks manuscripts on health behavior or policy topics that represent original research, including papers that examine the development, advocacy, implementation, or evaluation of policies around specific health issues. The Review especially welcomes papers that tie together health behavior and policy recommendations. Articles are available through subscription or can be ordered individually from the Health Behavior and Policy Review site.
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