1. THE BYRON REPORT
2008
Regulation: Theoretical Ideas
• T H E B Y R O N R E P O R T I S A D O C U M E N T W R I T T E N B Y
D R T A N Y A B Y R O N
• I T F O C U S E S O N T H E
R E L A T I O N S H I P B E T W E E N C H I L D R E N A N D T H E M E D I A -
P A R T I C U L A R L Y T H E I N T E R N E T A N D C O M P U T E R G A M E S .
• I T C A L L S I N T O Q U E S T I O N
W H E T H E R S C H O O L S A N D P A R E N T S A R E K N O W L E D G E A B L E
E N O U G H T O P R O T E C T C H I L D R E N A N D E N S U R E T H E I R
S A F E T Y W H E N U S I N G T H E S E T Y P E S O F M E D I A .
2. Byron believes that the internet/Online content (Films, Websites, Social
Media etc.) & video games should offer a range of opportunities for fun,
learning & development.
However, there are concerns over potentially inappropriate material,
ranging form content, contact with, and conduct.
Byron states that we currently have a generational digital divide resulting in
parents not necessarily feeling equipped to help their children in this space –
leading to a sense of helplessness.
While children are confident with the technology, they are still developing
critical evaluation skills and need our help to make wise decisions.
Children and young people need to be empowered to keep themselves safe.
“Children will be children - pushing boundaries and taking risks. At a public
swimming pool we have gates, put up signs, have lifeguards and shallow
ends, but we also teach children how to swim.”
Key Issues: Byron Report
Key points from the executive summary. guardian.co.uk, 27/03/2008 11.50
3. Byron suggests there should be less focus on the media "causing"
harm, and more focus on educating young peoples use of
technology for good (and be safe).
Byron calls for a shared culture of responsibility with families,
industry, and government all playing their part to reduce the
availability of potentially harmful material, restrict access to it by
children and to increase children's resilience.
Parents should be available to assist their children in making
decisions about and during use of the media.
Byron proposes a “national strategy for child internet safety” which
involves provision of information and education for children and
families – helping parents in particular.
Byron called for a reforming of the classification of the games
industry, retailers, advertisers, console manufacturers and online
gaming providers to raise awareness of game content.
These suggestions resulted in the website ‘Parentport’ being set up,
where parents can gain information about certain game content + the
report resulted in changes to PEGi and BBFC classification codes.
Suggestions: Byron Report
