Theorists and critics helpful for exploring film and video game regulation

1. Media Regulation Theoretical Perspectives

2. The Byron Review 2008 - Government Commissioned There is no evidence of ‘desensitisation’ from playing video games; idea of games as addictive is based on prejudice Media may have some influence on negative behaviour in children, but it should not be singled out as a cause; specific sociocultural and psychological context is crucial Dr. Tanya Byron

3. The Byron Review 2008 - Government Commissioned There is no evidence of ‘desensitisation’ from playing vide games; idea of games as addictive is based on prejudice

4. Douglas Gentile - Media Effects Researcher Offers a range of scientific ‘proof’ that antisocial and dangerous behaviour increases due to playing violent video games

5. Mark Kermode - Critic The public has a responsibility to look after itself and they are giving this up to the regulators Accuses the BBFC of being more liberal in their classification of ‘Arthouse’ cinema; taking into account assumptions about the white, middle-class, middle-aged audience

6. O Davey - Critic Violence plays a vital part in all our lives; it is often the catalyst for other emotions that lead to films being made that express these. Violence cannot be distinguished from film as we cannot distinguish violence from life

7. Martin Barker - Media Effects Researcher We need to see violence as it is part of real life and helps us to understand the world we live in. We are able to make a distinction between real and onscreen violence; it is the conent, not the amoaunt of violence that matters

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10. Film Research by the BBFC has found that audiences are concerned about violence and drug-taking, rather than sex. Now, more films being passed at feature explicit sexual scenes, such as 9 Songs in 2005.

11. Video Games The current video game debate is the same as the video nasty debate of the 1980s Regulation is unlikely to decline Despite recent changes, the UK is still the most heavily regulated nation in Europe Future regulation of content will focus more on video games and interactive media Legislation will be needed to combat the increasing fluidity between different - and differently regulated - media