UK gov't investigating video games

Gordon Brown's UK government has commissioned an independent review, headed by a clinical psychologist, into the risks to children of exposure to violent games.

Tanya Byron, who works as a consultant in a GP's practice along with presenting TV shows including House of Tiny Tearaways, Panaroma, and Little Angels, has been asked to put together the report.

The results are due in March 2008, and Byron states that she hopes that they will help identify ways to ensure youngsters are using the Internet and video games in a way that is age-appropriate.

The review aims not only to seek evidence on risks to children's "safety and well being" with exposure to inappropriate material on the Internet and in games, but to also assess the effectiveness of current measures preventing children from accessing age-gated content.

The review is gathering opinions from a wide variety of people, including children and young people aged between 0-18, parents, the academic community, the video gaming industry, gamers, and those involved in the welfare, education, and/or safety of children. More information on the report, and details on how to contribute an opinion, can be found on the official Web site.