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Editorial                               Online games and recreational tools


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Once seen as physical products for PCs and game consoles, computer games are now evolving into virtual services accessible online. This poses a challenge in regards to child protection, as online games are not presently encompassed by a recognised age labelling system, the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI).

This challenge was among the topics debated at the annual meeting of the PEGI Advisory Board, which met in Copenhagen, Denmark, in October 2006.

For the last two years, a working group put in place by The Interactive Software Federation of Europe (ISFE) has been developing the PEGI online safety code which is to be signed by distributors of online games in return for the permission to display the PEGI online label on their websites.

The purpose of the new labelling system is both to protect children and youth and to educate parents in regards to the potential risks of online gaming. The director of ISFE, Patrice Chazerand, says that the project is progressing according to the plan, which is to launch the PEGI Online Label in 2007.

In Denmark the Media Council for Children and Young People cooperates with Danish industry to enhance public knowledge of PEGI. Together they are now preparing a Christmas campaign and an associated newly produced information brochure about the labelling system.

”We find it very important that the age limits are respected, so that children and young people do not play games intended for the many adults who play computer games today” says Kristian Sveigaard, board member of the interest group Danish Industry (and Entertainement & Devices manager of Microsoft Denmark) who also welcomes the new online labelling system.

Anne Rahbek, The Danish Media Council for Children and Youth 

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News


Soon to come...PEGI ONLINE!
PEGI Online is a new EC funded project that aims to address risks associated with real time player interaction and changing content. Soon the PEGI Online label will appear on the packaging of games and on websites that allow online game play. Read more

Online gaming in Germany
While Germany is not as developed as Asian countries when it comes to usage of online games, it is still ranked in a top-notch position in Europe right behind the Scandinavian countries. Read more

Child safety online
The Czech Awareness node (www.saferinternet.cz) recently concluded an online research focused on internet habits of Czech children. The research was conducted by the research agency Gemius S.A. Read more



Journalists "playing games" online
When addressing internet safety problems "Online gaming" is one of the issues we have to focus on. However, recently we found out that online games can also be useful, especially those played by journalists in social networking sites. Read more

Social networking and the formation of character
Apart from worrying, many parents are puzzled. What's the attraction in the alternative universe of websites like MySpace, Bebo and Lunarstorm? "Because it's fun!" says Michael Birch founder of social networking site Bebo. Perhaps there's little more to it than that.
Read more

Santa is coming...with robots and videogames
Finally! The robot has made his way into the 21st century. Not to give a helping hand in the kitchen, however, but as a toy for the little ones. As a runner-up for videogames they are very sought after in the Christmas period. Santa knits his brows. Read more

School protection system - an internet filter for Thuringian schools
Many schools approached us at the "Thüringer Arbeitskreises Schulsoftware"- Thuringian workgroup for school software - concerning the protection of young people online. Read more

NetAlert internet safety programs recognised
NetAlert internet safety programs recognised NetAlert has recently been announced as finalists in both international and national awards for their internet safety web sites for children: CyberQuoll and Netty's World. Read more

Events

"Insafe discusses the meeting point of internet safety and education"

7 & 8 December 2006

Media literacy was one of the main issues on the table when the Insafe network met in Bruges on 7 & 8 December for its first training meeting of the new Insafe plus project.
Read more

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Country Focus: Denmark

Gamer George

A group of representatives from Danish central libraries with a focus on new media (MOB-libraries in Danish) and the Media Council for Children and Young People are joining forces to make sure that even the youngest internet users have a safe place to go to in the search for fun online computer games. Read more

Tellaplay - the online lego

A new kind of highly customizable computer game will offer children the chance to go beyond playing, and become creators and distributors of games. Read more

New parental survey

Danish parents are interested and involved in their children's use of computer games, shows a recent parental survey conducted by the Danish Media Council for Children and Youth. Read more

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Insafe is a European network of 26 nodes in 24 countries that are dedicated to raising awareness of internet safety. It is coordinated by the European Schoolnet and supported by the European Commission through the Safer Internet Programme.


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