The VSC is the standards body that oversees the game and app PEGI ratings here in the UK. The organisation’s job is to protect children from video games that are unsuitable for them and to assist parents and carers in making informed decisions about the games their children play.
While the PEGI ratings have an important role to play in protecting children, there are wider issues around gaming which can have an impact on younger players. For example, the ability to interact and communicate with other users online, the ability to spend money in games, and how to set limits on the amount of playtime they are allowed.
This is one reason that the new Age Appropriate Design Code was created in order to ensure protection for children and the data related to them within games and apps.
To address these issues, the VSC is setting up a new panel, made up of parents and carers from across the UK to provide feedback on the organisation’s work. The Panel will meet four times a year and help the VSC to understand how the resources and information it provides can be improved and promoted to ensure parents and carers have access to everything they need to make informed decisions.
So, if you’re the parent or carer of one or more children who play video games, and you’re willing to commit some time to help out others like you, please consider applying to join the panel. It’s an opportunity protect children and assist families to keep gaming safe and sensible.
Applicants must be over 18 and live in the UK. You will also need to have some understanding of video games, video game ratings and the issues that concern to parents and carers.
To apply, please click here to access a short application form, which you should complete and return to: vsc@videostandards.org.uk.
The form asks for some basic details about you, the child or children for whom you’re responsible, the types of games they like to play, your views on issues currently facing parents and carers, and what you think you can bring to the Panel.
