A report from the Federal Trade Commission indicates that efforts to keep "Mature" rated games out of the hands of children are improving the situation — but more needs to be done. The FTC has been using secret shoppers to determine if retailers and their employees are asking for a buyer's age, if they'll sell to an underage shopper and if the store posts information about the ratings system.

While the numbers have improved, at first glance they seem frustratingly low. Only half of cashiers and clerks asked the child shoppers their age. I personally find that pretty embarrassing, but I'm not the ESRB, ESA or IEMA. They find these results pretty pleasing. Check out the follow up story at Game Politics for reactions from the industry.

Obviously, there is a long way to go to ensure that kids don't get their hands on violent games. Any suggestions?

Undercover Shop Finds Decrease in Sales of M-Rated Video Games to Children
Game Industry Reacts to FTC Secret Shopper Survey [Game Politics]

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