Age ratings could be applied to websites

In a recent report the Culture Secretary has announced that having age ratings on websites in the UK could be an option to ensure youngsters do not access inappropriate material.

We are all used to the age ratings that come on cinema movies and DVDs, with the rating indicating which age group the film is suitable for such as U, PG, 12, 12A, 15, and 18. However, we could soon be seeing this type of age rating on websites that we access online after the Culture Secretary, Andy Burnham, announced that this could be an option in order to protect youngsters from accessing inappropriate websites.

According to Mr Burnham the government has been looking at a number of possible safeguards that could be used online to try and protect youngsters and prevent them from accessing sites that are geared towards adults. With many homes now having broadband access children are able to spend more and more time online, giving them greater opportunity to access a wide range of websites, many of which may be totally inappropriate.

Burnham added that some of the content available to be viewed online was totally unacceptable, and said that he would be liaising with officials in the United States in order to try and draw up rules for English language websites. He said that Internet Service Providers needed to provide child friendly web access.

He stated: “The internet is becoming a more and more pervasive entity in all our lives and yet the content standards online are not as clear as we’ve all been used in traditional media. I think we do need to have a debate now about clearer signposting and labelling online because it can be quite a confusing world, particularly for parents who are trying to ensure their children are only accessing appropriate stuff.”