TV psychologist, Dr. Tanya Byron, has turned in her report for the government and is recommending a new ‘easy-to-use’ rating system for videogames.
Of course, many feel that the big red ‘18’ on certain games should be warning enough for the dumb parents that buy them for their 10-year olds.
Byron has suggested in her ‘Safer Children in a Digital World’ report that the BBFC lower the barrier for the type of games it classifies to ‘12’. At the moment it only classifies games that contain sexual content or violence. Wow, I bet the BBFC are delighted by what will be a massive jump in its workload.
Key changes:
Reforming the classification system for rating video games with one set of symbols on the front of all boxes which are the same as those for film.
Lowering the statutory requirement to classify video games to 12+, so that it is the same as film classification and easier for parents to understand.
Clear and consistent guidance for industry on how games should be advertised.
Challenging industry to provide sustained and high profile efforts to increase parents understanding of age ratings and improved parental controls.
Byron said: “This is also about overcoming the generational ‘digital divide’ where parents do not feel equipped to help their children because they didn’t grow up with these sophisticated technologies themselves and therefore don’t understand them; this can lead to fear and a sense of helplessness. This is compounded by children and young people’s greater skill and confidence in using new technology.”
Personally, I think the problem lies with crap parents, not the ratings system, since most games clearly state the age rating on the front, back and sides.-Martin Lynch
[Full Report]
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Editor and Contributor | Martin Lynch
Contributor | Tamlin Magee
Comments
Oompa Loompa doom-pa-dee-do
I have another puzzle for you
Oompa Loompa doom-pa-da-dee
If you are wise, you'll listen to me
Who do you blame when your kids play this game?
Shooting and stabbing with intent to maim?
Blaming the developers is a lie and a shame
You know exactly who is to blame
The mother and the father
Have to agree with Martin, what's so confusing about the big red 18 that's identical to the one used on videos for decades? I don't think adding the 12+ certification is suddenly going to make parents think "oh so that's what that number means".
Oompa, Loompa... That's killer :o)
Never underestimate the stupidity of people in large numbers.
Of course, it might just be that the TV psychologist couldn't turn around and say to her audience "well, try LOOKING at the games", would've been gauling to come to the conclusion that the average person reaches in five seconds after all that work . . .
Wizards First Rule
Hahahahahahahahaahahahaha,
Jon, that oompa loopa song was absolutely awesome!!!!
Hilarious stuff!
They should just stick that kid's pic on the box, that'd keep people from buying it. Look at his freaky wizened arm! It's creaping me out!
This is just the begining...Soon the government will be literally choosing what we play and what we don't...Freedom is slowly becoming a memory, it seems.