18 is the magic age where a child becomes just like everyone else. (Almost) everything is available to them, some go off to university and they learn more about themselves and the world than they do about whatever it is they went to learn.

Until they are 18 the modern world has put restrictions on them. No drinking, no dodgy videos and no Modern Warfare 2 for you.

Yes the latest game to hit the press and cause fury amongst parents, members of parliament and the generic angry mobster is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

Right now millions around the world are playing it either online or marching through the solo campaign. It has received rave reviews from critics and some backlash from PC fans over server support.

Yet some of these millions playing the game will not be old enough to play it.

Personally I couldn't stand it when playing a game online and some idiot child appears shouting down their headset, ruining the game for most people. Generally children ruin the online experience. Children and adults who haven't matured. Thanks to children I have now muted every person on XBox Live.

The thing is it seems that a problem lies here. There are a lot of children who are able to get a copy of this game and play it online.

The responsibility falls completely on the parents of these children and nobody else.

The video game publisher has done everything they can to warn parents and children about the game. It has been rated by the same unit that rates movies.

The console manufacturer has built in parental controls just like most DVD players which can prevent a child from finding the game and playing it.

If a parent purchases a console for their children then they should first understand what they've bought and what it can do. Then they should familiarise themselves with the user manual and how the machine functions.

It is a harmful piece of technology that can immerse the user far more than a cinematic experience can do. The games industry is massive now. Modern Warfare 2 was launched in the Vue cinema in London's Leicester Square last night. Yes like a blockbuster film.

Much like a film, any parent is free to make the choice for their child to play this game.

You know your child and you should know what you are buying them. Think about what you are doing.

In response to the Bournemouth Echo article

“But if they start repeating anything they see, the game will be taken away from them.”

Ridiculous. Far too late.

“His mum doesn’t like him playing video games. I’m ex-Army so it is the nearest thing I can get to a fix.”

A fix? Jaw dropping sentiment.

“We advise parents but if they decide to buy a video game for their children there isn’t anything we can do.”

How is the advice being presented? I personally don't believe enough is being done. This is one of the places where the parents should be told what they are buying. Lazy.

While I'm fed up with war shooters, Modern Warfare 2 is an unbelievable title. Another milestone in video-gaming and should be enjoyed by those who can understand and appreciate it. I'm not just talking about children here, within society the perception of games like this is still incorrect. Until this is corrected we will have to put up with this sort of outcry every time a game comes out that pushes the boundaries.

Personally I'm shocked at some of the things I've read today. Not just news stories but comments people are writing too.