A proposed bill could lead to a study of the role of violence in video games. In the wake of the recent shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, West Virginia senator Jay Rockefeller has proposed a bill to study “the impact of violent content, including video games and video programming, on children.”

“ ...to investigate the impact of violent video games and other content on children’s well-being.

“ You can count on the Congress to take a more aggressive role.

In a statement posted to his site , Rockefeller wrote “This week, we are all focused on protecting our children. At times like this, we need to take a comprehensive look at all the ways we can keep our kids safe. I have long expressed concern about the impact of the violent content our kids see and interact with every day. As Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, I have introduced legislation to direct the National Academy of Sciences to investigate the impact of violent video games and other content on children’s well-being.”Specifically, the NAS would look at whether the interactive nature of video games and the “vivid way violence is portrayed” have a “unique impact on kids.” The NAS would submit a report to Congress, the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission within an 18 month period.“Recent court decisions demonstrate that some people still do not get it,” Rockefeller wrote. “They believe that violent video games are no more dangerous to young minds than classic literature or Saturday morning cartoons. Parents, pediatricians, and psychologists know better. These court decisions show we need to do more and explore ways Congress can lay additional groundwork on this issue. This report will be a critical resource in this process. I call on my colleagues to join to me in passing this important legislation quickly.”“Major corporations, including the video game industry, make billions on marketing and selling violent content to children,” Rockefeller concludes. “They have a responsibility to protect our children. If they do not, you can count on the Congress to take a more aggressive role.”

Andrew Goldfarb is IGN’s associate news editor. Keep up with pictures of the latest food he’s been eating by following @garfep on Twitter or garfep on IGN.