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In a survey of more than 2,000 British parents, nearly three-quarters expressed concern with the content of video games. The poll, conducted by the British Board of Film Classification, was conducted as the British government examines the Byron Review, which calls for more steps to protect chidren from the harmful effects of media, including that video games designed for people aged 12 and over, regardless of content, should be reviewed by the BBFC for classification prior to release. (Currently, all video games are exempt from classification except for those that contain gross violence, sexual activity, or material that could be useful in the commission of a crime.) According to the Telegraph Online, which features an article on the survey, parents also prefer that ratings for video games and movies mirror each other.
Mike Rawlinson, director-general of Elspa, the body that represents the video games industry, says:
"UK parents need a system for videogames age classification that is built with the protection of the new generation of children in mind, and as such, delivers a robust system that works as well for games bought in-store as played online. Gamers no longer just play with their mates, they also play online, and we need a system that reflects this situation and protects their interests. The independently administered PEGI system is the right solution for child safety."
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