This morning sees the publication of Dr Tanya Byron's investigation into issues surrounding the protection of children from adult material in videogames and the internet. And while there are some good recommendations it already sounds a bit of a mess, because once again non-gamers have made major assumtions about those who enjoy this particular medium.
But first let's look at the reports major recommendations:
- The creation of a unified game rating system rather than the current UK dual BBFC/PEGI system.
- The creation of a website for parents where they can find our more information about online safety.
- A comprehensive public information and awareness campaign on child internet safety.
- Clear and consistent guidance for industry on how games should be advertised.
- High profile efforts to increase parents understanding of age ratings and improved parental controls.
I think the first and last items are the ones we should look at in details. Currently games a covered by an age voluntary system called PEGI which puts age recommendations and content details on game boxes. Certain games also have to be rated by the British Board of Film Classification due to their stronger content.
The practical upshot of this is that you can't buy a game in the UK without clear age guidence labelling on it. Now I do agree to some extent with Byron's report suggesting just one labelling system should be used - but I do think this is getting away from the real issue here.
The issue being the stupidity of parents.
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