News
BYRON REVIEW: The highlights
Tim Ingham Mar 27 2008, 11:57am
Comments (4)
A definitive guide to how Government report will affect the UK industry
Dr. Tanya Byron’s long-awaited Review into children’s access to unsuitable digital entertainment has finally been published – and spells some serious changes for the UK industry.
Here, we condense the main points from the Review, entitled Safer Children In a Digital World. Byron recommends:
* ‘A hybrid classification system in which: BBFC logos are on the front of all games (i.e. 18,15,12,PG and U). PEGI will continue to rate all 3+ and 7+ games and their equivalent logos (across – all age ranges) will be on the back of all boxes. There are other perspectives on the different possible approaches, and implementation of change will require full public consultation.’
* 'The statutory requirement to age classify games be extended to include those receiving 12+ ratings.'
* ‘Government supports a dialogue between the games industry and the education sector to identify opportunities for the benefits of game-based learning to be evaluated in educational environments.’
* ‘Sustained, high profile and targeted efforts by industry to increase parents’ understanding and use of age-ratings and controls on consoles.'
* ‘The retail industry works together to develop and implement a more consistent approach to the sale of video games and better in-store information for parents, children and young people.’
* ‘There should be focused efforts to monitor enforcement of the statutory age ratings at the point of sale.‘
* ‘The advertising and video games industries work together to improve guidance on the appropriate targeting and content of video games adverts in line with age classifications.’
* ‘Console manufacturers work together to raise standards in parental controls on consoles, delivering clear and easy to use prompts and better information for parents on where console controls meet agreed standards.
* 'The BBFC and PEGI work together to develop a joint approach to rating online games and driving up safety standards for children and young people in the games, under the auspices of the UK Council for Child Internet safety.’
To download the full Byron Review, click under the 'Safer Children In a Digital World (Full)' tab here.
The news has been coming thick and fast in the wake of the Review's publication. First, Government Ministers Ed Balls and Andy Downham threw their support behind all of Byron's recommendations.This morning saw Balls and Downham stand side-by-side with Byron at a press conference, at which it was revealed that PEGI would still be involved in the classification of 50 per cent of new titles.
IT was also suggested that the industry would be expected to fund education of the public over the new ratings - something which development body TIGA was not happy about.
Elsewhere, UK publishers' body ELSPA questioned the wisdom of the BBFC being responsible for rating every game, whilst the BBFC itself said it was more than up to the job.
The media reaction has been typically sensational, with The Times reporting that the BBFC ratings would resemble 'cigarette-style' warnings.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Dr. Tanya Byron even appeared on the GMTV sofa this morning.
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“pointless”
Posted: Mar 27, 1:53pm
so basically what they already do? forgive me if i'm wrong but since the days of the SNES etc. up until present day with such titles as Def Jam, Resident Evil, Tomb Raider etc.all games rated over 12 have a big rated 15 (or whatever) logo on the front and the PEGI stuff on the back? If a large 18 covering nearly a 6th of the front cover doesnt deter an irresponsible parent, then why would logos on the back, telling you its violent, has drug references etc. deter them?
POINTLESS!!!
“Re: pointless”
Posted by: Retail Employee - Mar 27, 3:40pm
Are we now also expecting 12 year old kids to carry there passports with them as that is the only legit piece of ID a 12 year old could have to buy a 12 rated game?
“Re: pointless”
Posted by: FrustratedOfSurrey - Mar 27, 4:03pm
Why is only the games elelment of the report being focused on? It's my understanding that the report is as focused on the internet as much as it is video games.
That said - I can't get passed the feeling that this is just Brown throwing up a smoke screen and saying "look over here - forget about all those stories about MP's and their questionable expenses" and as always it's the games industry that is the fall guy.
Way to use your budget there, Gordo!
anyone agree?
“Re: pointless”
Posted by: Tim Ingham - Mar 27, 6:02pm
Hi 'Frustrated'. MCV is focusing on the video games angle because that's pretty much our remit. But it's an interesting point you make when it comes to the national media - radio, online and newspapers. The majority of the Review (and, arguably, the area it will have the biggest effect on) is the way children use the internet. And yet the wider press has chosen to 'zone in' on games - not least The Times, who dedicated three pages to it.