The Byron Report: Problem solved?

Dr Tanya Byron’s recommendations regarding the classification and sale of video games and child safety on the internet seem a bit, well, obvious, don’t they?

Here’s a brief reminder of the highlights of her report:

• Codes of practice regulating privacy and harmful content on social networking sites.

• Advice on issues such as parental locks and PIN codes.

• Action on a law making it illegal to assist suicide on the internet.

• An overhaul of the current videogame ratings system – bigger logos, clearer warnings and new laws governing sale to minors.

• A national council and fixed timetable to ensure her recommendations are implemented.

It all feels sensible enough, we suppose. However the fact that Byron’s mentioning such things at all does highlight a much bigger issue relating to the ignorance of most parents compared to the technical literacy of their kids.

All that aside, though, do you think the Byron Report goes far enough to address the evils of violent video games and unregulated social networking sites? Will this report even make an ounce of difference in this online-enabled age? Put another way, how would you handle such a report if you’d been given the job?

Let’s hear your comments and suggestions - libertarian, totalitarian, rib-ticklingly hilarious or otherwise…