Video games in the United States have their ratings on the front of the box, with a description of what content led to that rating on the back of the box. The issue of whether playing violent video games leads to real-world violence is a contentious one, and Congressman Joe Baca (D-CA) wants to be proactive on this issue. Rep. Baca has introduced a new version of the Video Game Health Labeling Act, which would force the game industry to place yet another warning label on the box of video games rated "Teen" or above.

"The video game industry has a responsibility to parents, families, and to consumers—to inform them of the potentially damaging content that is often found in their products," Baca stated. "They have repeatedly failed to live up to this responsibility. Meanwhile, research continues to show a proven link between playing violent games and increased aggression in young people. American families deserve to know the truth about these potentially dangerous products."

Not only does Rep. Baca think that the link between violent content and violent behavior has already been proven (it hasn't), Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) likens the effects of games to those of smoking, in terms of causal relationships. "Just as we warn smokers of the health consequences of tobacco, we should warn parents—and children—about the growing scientific evidence demonstrating a relationship between violent video games and violent behavior," Wolf said. "As a parent and grandparent, I think it is important people know everything they can about the extremely violent nature of some of these games."

During the recent Supreme Court hearing on the issue of violent games and children, Justice Sonia Sotomayor pointed out that studies also showed a link between violent cartoons and violent behavior.

This is the wording Rep. Baca would like to see on video games rated Teen or above:

"WARNING: Excessive exposure to violent video games and other violent media has been linked to aggressive behavior."

That warning would be put on every game rated Teen, no matter the content or tone of the game.

It's not cut and dried

"There is a growing body of science and objective researchers and academics who find there is no causal link between video games and real-life violence," Entertainment Software Association President Michael Gallagher countered in a statement.

"Apart from the science, we are concerned about the practicality of this bill as not all games rated 'Teen' contain violent content. In addition, all computer and video games sold at retail already are clearly labeled with content descriptors, educating parents about game content before they make a purchase or rental," he continued. "For parents who want even greater detail than what is already found on the box, rating summaries are available that describe a game‟s overall context and offer specific examples of the content in each game.

Most recently, Australian authorities conducted a review of the existing research on the effects of violent games on behavior. "The review found that evidence about the effect of violent computer games on the aggression displayed by those who play them is inconclusive," Federal Minister for Home Affairs, Brendan O'Connor, stated. "From time to time people claim that there is a strong link between violent crime or aggressive behavior and the popularity of violent computer games. The literature does not bear out that assertion."

It's unlikely this bill will go anywhere, especially with video games largely regulated by retailers already. The legislation is an easy way to score some political points and have a record you can hold up as proof that you care about children and family values.