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Mar-27-2008

UK Government report calls for ‘Movie style’ ratings for games

18 rated symbolFollowing the request from british Prime Minister Gordon Brown to address the use of ‘innapropriate interactive content’ by children, a report will be published today calling for movie style ratings for games. In addition, retailers selling games to underage children will face stiffer penalties; a large fine and up to 4 years in jail.

The report, written by Dr Tanya Byron recommends that a new 12 rating (just like they give to movies) be used on games and that the current PEGI system of rating be abandonded as it uses confusing age rating symbols and the rules for deciding on the age rating a game should receive are not strict enough. A single statutory regulation has been recommended.

In her report Dr Bryon says: “We have to make child digital safety a priority. If you are under 18, you should not be able to buy an ‘18′ game and if you are under 12, you should not be able to buy a ‘12′ game.”

The BBC already have posted some extra details about the report on their website. According to them Byron recommends:

  • 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
  • A gold standard for the use of console games, including clear set-up guidance for parents on issues such as pin codes and locks

    • You can read the BBC article in full here

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