Gaming
A cinema-style ratings system for youngsters aged 12 and over is to be introduced to the video game industry after the government commissioned a six-month report into the effects of digital media on children.
Parenting expert Dr. Tanya Byron, who headed up the report, said she has proposed 'tough' changes to the ratings system to the government.
"We need to take the issue of digital safety and children really seriously in the UK," Byron told GMTV.
"I am making some pretty tough recommendations to the prime minister about the video game classification system and also about the internet generally and how we can really empower parents, teachers and all adults to help children to be safe."
Byron said a lot of children tell their parents the current age rating that appears on packaging is a skill level, proposing new legislation to tackle the issue. "When you have got two sets of symbols parents are often hoodwinked by their kids that certain symbols are skill levels, not age ratings; they are not.
"I am asking the Prime Minister to change legislation so that from 12 upwards, parents can't buy games, or children can't buy games, unless it's for the right age of the child."
Responding to Byron's comments, prime minister Gordon Brown said: "One simple rating, that's the answer. When a child goes onto a video game, we need to make it as safe as possible. It's really difficult for parents as many of us didn't grow up in the computer age and we have to think about the influences on children.
"I think Tanya's idea that one simple classification from the ages of 12 will make a difference. You can't stop people acting illegally, but you can do everything in your power to give parents the information, to give teachers the information. Britain can lead the world on this. Other countries have the same problems and all of us are worried about our children so let's see if we can make a difference."
Parenting expert Dr. Tanya Byron, who headed up the report, said she has proposed 'tough' changes to the ratings system to the government.
"We need to take the issue of digital safety and children really seriously in the UK," Byron told GMTV.
"I am making some pretty tough recommendations to the prime minister about the video game classification system and also about the internet generally and how we can really empower parents, teachers and all adults to help children to be safe."
Byron said a lot of children tell their parents the current age rating that appears on packaging is a skill level, proposing new legislation to tackle the issue. "When you have got two sets of symbols parents are often hoodwinked by their kids that certain symbols are skill levels, not age ratings; they are not.
"I am asking the Prime Minister to change legislation so that from 12 upwards, parents can't buy games, or children can't buy games, unless it's for the right age of the child."
Responding to Byron's comments, prime minister Gordon Brown said: "One simple rating, that's the answer. When a child goes onto a video game, we need to make it as safe as possible. It's really difficult for parents as many of us didn't grow up in the computer age and we have to think about the influences on children.
"I think Tanya's idea that one simple classification from the ages of 12 will make a difference. You can't stop people acting illegally, but you can do everything in your power to give parents the information, to give teachers the information. Britain can lead the world on this. Other countries have the same problems and all of us are worried about our children so let's see if we can make a difference."
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