EU Kids Online

• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2008
• Subjects: Livingstone; Iceland
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.642.3032; http://www.lse.ac.uk/media@lse/research/EUKidsOnline/EU Kids III/PDFs/ECSIPConsultationEUKidsOnline2008.pdf

We agree that, given the current trend towards platform and media convergence, the feasibility of cross media rating systems needs urgent discussion. 1. Of which media rating systems are you aware in your country. Has there been an attempt to implement a cross-media rating system? If yes, what are the positive outcomes of it and its success factors? If no, what could be used as a starting point towards a cross media rating system? For console gaming, Iceland has implemented the PEGI system and this year the same system will be applied to DVD/VIDEO/TV. The system has been promoted by SAFT, the Safer Internet Action node in Iceland, in collaboration with the industry. The system is well known by consumers and used by the industry. The UK has rejected a uniform content-rating system to date, recognising the different relationships that viewers have with content through various delivery platforms. Ofcom has suggested that the possibility of a cross-media common labelling system should be considered, treating as part of its media literacy remit investigation into the feasibility of a common labelling scheme for content across all broadcast and interactive platforms. 2. What are the main obstacles moving towards a pan-European cross media rating system? We identify no serious obstacles in principle and, some hold, in practice. 3. What role should the different stakeholders play (industry, public bodies, etc.), towards implementing a pan-European cross media rating system? Industry should accept and promote the system in collaboration with relevant public and private bodies. The legal environment should be clear and be able to address issues raised quickly. 4. Are you aware of relevant research, pilot projects, or national cross media rating initiatives? If published online, please provide us with the relevant URL. Millwood Hargrave and Livingstone (in press) note, following an extensive review