The anticipated Byron Report has finally launched in the U.K. and it has issued its recommendations to the industry. The most significant among the claims is that the gaming industry needs a motion picture-like classification system, where it is illegal to sell games to children bellow a certain age.

Currently, the country uses the European PEGI ratings, with only games that feature mature violence or sex classified by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). The Report suggests that the required age rating to classify video games be moved to 12+, similar again to films. The Report says this will make the system more comprehensible to parents. Further suggestions include fines and jail sentences for retailers selling games to underage buyers.

The Report goes on to say that better education of parents is needed in controlling mature content and that the guidelines for how gaming should be advertised should be better established. As far as regulating content online, the Report says that there needs to be a U.K. Council for Child Internet Safety, which will work out plans for national online safety.

"The Internet and video games are now very much a part of growing up and offer unprecedented opportunities to learn, develop and have fun," said Dr. Byron. "However, with new opportunities come potential risks. My recommendations will help children and young people make the most of what all digital and interactive technologies can offer, while enabling them and their parents to navigate all these new media waters safely and with the knowledge that more is being done by government and the internet and video game industries to help and support them."

Further information on the Byron Review can be found here.