The changes s
in her Review of digital entertainment today – and backed by
– won’t actually have any practical effect until 2010.
That’s according to the report itself, which sets out a timetable for when Byron’s recommendations will be implemented. It reads:
By Autumn 2008:
– Consultation on changes to classification system underpinned by clear plans for potential legislative change
– Industry commits to develop minimum standards for parental controls
– Campaign to raise awareness of age ratings and parental controls underway
– Retailers make improvements to in-store information
– UK Council for Child Internet Safety establishes sub-group on online gaming
Industry and classification bodies commit to develop single set of standards for managing safety in online games
By Spring 2009:
– BBFC and PEGI agree and publish standards for managing safety in online games
– Research into role of video game advertising on underage game play completed
– Industry guidelines on advertising of video games produced
By Summer 2010:
– Changes to classification system in place
– Ongoing monitoring and enforcement of sales of age-rated video games.
– Government identifies ways for game based learning to be evaluated in different educational environments