TV Psychologist To Spearhead Government Gaming Review

Tanya Byron, the TV psychologist from the BBC's The House of Tiny Tearaways and Little Angels, will take point in the government's inquiry into protecting children from violent games and adult internet content.

Byron will talk to parents and the interactive entertainment industry before reporting back to the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

SPOnG has to ask the question: is a TV personality really the best qualified person working in psychology in Britain to spearhead this review? Does having married an actor from The Bill (Bruce Byron) and having appeared on French and Saunders really make Byron better qualified to advise the government on the future of our industry than a doctor who spends most of their working time with children rather than in make up?

SPOnG's picking up a distinct whiff of government PR nonsense.

From her obligatory sound bite, however, Byron seems more interested in adult content on the internet than games. "The internet is a powerful and positive tool for children in terms of their learning and ongoing development”, she said.

"However, we must all enable our children to use the possibility presented by the internet in a way that is both positive and safe.

“Therefore it is essential that parents and anyone involved in the care and development of young people are familiar with the material they will access and view - and of the potential and actual risks therein."

Really? Parents should take an interest in what their kids are doing? SPOnG expects to see some ground-breaking legislation coming our way soon.

^{Source: BBC}