Computer games crackdown

News |

A massive crackdown is being launched on computer games, with many being forced to carry cigarette-style health warnings and cinema age ratings.

The aim of the report by TV psychologist Dr Tanya Byron is to ensure kids don’t get hold of games which could be deemed harmful and detrimental.

The report will also recommend a massive education campaign to warn parents, teachers and childcarers of the risks of games and the web for children.

Shop owners who flaunt the rules and sell games to those under age could be penalised.

The report was commissioned last year by Prime Minister Gordon Brown amid concerns that new electronic forms of entertainment may be harming the development of children’s morals.

Dr Byron, who has two children wants a single statutory classification system. Ratings would have to be displayed prominently on all packaging materials, like health warnings on cigarettes, as well as on shop display cases.

She told the Times newspaper: “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.”