Video games ‘convenient scapegoat’ for school violence, says Bam Aquino

June 29, 2026 - 21:25

Senator Bam Aquino has pushed back against claims that video games are a primary cause of school violence, calling them a "convenient scapegoat" for deeper societal issues. Speaking during a recent legislative hearing, Aquino argued that focusing on gaming distracts from the real problems, such as lack of mental health support, bullying, and inadequate security in schools.

"Video games are an easy target, but they are not the root cause," Aquino stated. He acknowledged that while regulation is important, the blame should not fall entirely on entertainment media. He pointed out that millions of young people play video games without ever engaging in violent behavior.

However, Aquino did not dismiss the need for oversight. He suggested that stricter rules should apply to how children access games, particularly in video game stores and online platforms. "In video game stores and online stores, our rules should be a little stricter when it comes to children and their access," he said. He emphasized that this is about responsible parenting and industry accountability, not outright censorship.

The senator's remarks come amid renewed debates in the Philippines about the influence of violent media on youth behavior. Aquino urged lawmakers to look beyond surface-level causes and address the systemic failures that contribute to school violence, rather than singling out a popular pastime.