Adult films being sold to youngsters

An "alarming" number of online retailers are selling 18-certificate games and DVDs to youngsters, according to a new survey by Staffordshire Trading Standards.

Officers found a 14-year-old volunteer was able to buy 18-rated films and computer games using his own debit card, along with an uncertified film.

Trading standards officers carried out the test purchases with the supervised teenager and all eleven sites that were tested sold age restricted goods to him.

The haul included:

* Three 18-certificate games – two copies of Manhunt and one of ultra-violent gangster roleplay Grand Theft Auto.

* One 18-certificate film – gory horror movie Saw 3.

* One 15-certificate film – the notorious Child's Play.

* One uncertified film – The Ranch, set in a Nevada brothel.

Staffordshire Trading Standards says two sites requested a date of birth and refused a sale when the correct age was entered. However, when the volunteer simply changed their date of birth the sale was processed. Other sites tested either simply required the purchaser to confirm that they were over 18 by "opting in" or in some cases sold the goods without questioning age.

Although online traders are covered by the same laws on age restricted goods as other retailers, a wide number do not have robust procedures in place to check age via their websites. The companies who sold the products as part of the test exercise are now under investigation and could face prosecution.

Carol Dean, the county council's cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, said: "The fact that it was so simple for a 14-year-old to obtain age restricted goods shows that the issue of internet sales is still a real concern.

"We would urge parents to do everything they can to check what their children are doing on the computer and we hope that this demonstrates to them just how easy it is for young people to get their hands on these items. As Christmas fast approaches, we would also remind consumers not to buy goods such as 18 certificate video games as presents for young people as they are renowned for violence and are totally unsuitable.

"Businesses also have a major responsibility here and it's important that they realise the implications of selling these goods – both for themselves and those making purchases. There is a need for sellers of online goods to take more action on age verification."

Another recent test exercise carried out in Staffordshire resulted in the supervised purchase by a young person of four knives online – including a 15-inch machete for just £1.70. These should not have been sold to anyone under the age of 18.