THE BYRON REPORT 2008 Regulation: Theoretical Ideas THE BYRON REPORT IS A DOCUMENT WRITTEN BY DR TANYA BYRON IT FOCUSES ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHILDREN AND THE MEDIA- PARTICULARLY THE INTERNET AND COMPUTER GAMES. IT CALLS INTO QUESTION WHETHER SCHOOLS AND PARENTS ARE KNOWLEDGEABLE ENOUGH TO PROTECT CHILDREN AND ENSURE THEIR SAFETY WHEN USING THESE TYPES OF MEDIA.

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/ guardian.co.uk

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