Dr Tanya Byron seeks views on internet and video games
Source: Department for Children, Schools and Families
Clinical psychologist Dr Tanya Byron has launched a "call for evidence" to gather information advice and views about the risks to children and young people of exposure to potentially harmful or inappropriate material on the internet and video games.This call for evidence is part of the independent review which Dr Byron has been asked to conduct by the Prime Minister and the two Secretaries of State for Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
Anyone with an interest can respond to the questions Dr Byron has set out. Her questions cover video games and the internet, and seek views on the benefits and opportunities of these fantastic new technologies, as well as exploring the potential risks and how children, young people and their parents can be supported to manage them.
Responses to the call for evidence will shape the direction that the Review takes over the forthcoming months and ensure that Dr Byron’s final report to the Secretaries of State at DCSF and DCMS is based on robust and comprehensive evidence.
Dr Tanya Byron said: "Anybody who has children will know that video games and the internet are a part of childhood like never before. This is tremendously positive. New technology is giving kids opportunities to learn, have fun, be creative and communicate in ways that previous generations could only dream of. But many parents still feel ill-equipped to help their children navigate this technology safely.
"By issuing my call for evidence today, I want to start a debate about how Government, industry and society as a whole can support parents to guide our children into the virtual world, with the same confidence as when we show them how to stay safe in our local community."
Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, said: "We all value the great educational, social and entertainment benefits that the internet and video games technologies offer. However I know parents want to have information on how their children can take advantage of the positive benefits of these technologies, whilst being able to protect them against the risks.
"We know for example that 46 per cent of children say they have given out personal information online – but only 5 per cent of parents realise this.
"It is vital that those who are most informed in these areas come forward and engage with Dr Byron to see what more can be done to help families enjoy video games and the internet safely. I encourage everyone with an interest in this important debate to have their say."
Culture Secretary James Purnell said: "The internet and computer games offer a world of opportunities for children – but at the same time they can present a huge challenge to parents.
"It’s essential that, as well as parents and children, the industry and the regulators engage with this review so we can deal with inappropriate content and maximise the huge advantages the internet brings."
In addition to this call for evidence, the Byron Review will also undertake more targeted consultations with children, young people, parents and gamers.
The Call for evidence is open to any interested party and can be found at www.dcsf.gov.uk/byronreview or by contacting the Byron Review: byron.review@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk.
Editor's Notes
This press notice relates to 'England'
Some of the questions included in the Call for Evidence are below, the full document can be found at www.dcsf.gov.uk/byronreview:
This press notice relates to 'England'
Some of the questions included in the Call for Evidence are below, the full document can be found at www.dcsf.gov.uk/byronreview:
- What are the benefits and opportunities that new technologies offer for children, young people, their families, society and the economy?
- What are the potential or actual risks to children’s safety and wellbeing of going online and playing video games and how do children, young people and parents feel about those risks?
- To what extent do children, young people and parents understand and manage those risks and how well are they supported to do so?
- What, if anything, could be changed in order to help children, young people and parents manage the potential or actual risks of going online or playing video games, and what are the pros and cons of different approaches?
Contact Details
Public Enquiries 0870 000 2288, info@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk
Public Enquiries 0870 000 2288, info@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk
Created: Wed, October 10th, 2007 | Last Modified: Mon, March 17th, 2008
