The clinical psychologist Dr Tanya Byron today launched a review of the risks to children and young people exposed to potentially harmful material on screen.

Dr Byron, the parenting expert and Times columnist best known for her BBC series House of Tiny Tearaways, was appointed by the Government last month to head an inquiry into the impact of violent video games and internet pornography on children.

Today she issued a call for parents and experts to submit information, views and evidence.

“Anybody who has children will know that video games and the internet are a part of childhood like never before," Dr Byron said. "This is tremendously positive. New technology is giving kids opportunities to learn, have fun, be creative and communicate in ways that previous generations could only dream of.

"But many parents still feel ill-equipped to help their children navigate this technology safely. By issuing my call for evidence today, I want to start a debate about how Government, industry and society as a whole can support parents to guide our children into the virtual world, with the same confidence as when we show them how to stay safe in our local community.”

The review is largely being conducted online, through the website of the Department for Children, Schools and Families, although it will also involve direct consultation with children, gamers and parents.

Launching the review today in Barking Abbey School, in east London, where he met parents and pupils to discuss the issues, Children, Schools and Families Secretary Ed Balls highlighted research showing that 46 of children say they have given out personal information online but only 5 per cent of parents realise this, as an example of the extent to which some parents know about what their children are doing online.

Mr Balls said: "We all value the great educational, social and entertainment benefits that the internet and video games technologies offer. However I know parents want to have information on how their children can take advantage of the positive benefits of these technologies, whilst being able to protect them against the risks.

“We know for example that 46 per cent of children say they have given out personal information online - but only 5 per cent of parents realise this... I encourage everyone with an interest in this important debate to have their say.”

Dr Byron accompanied Mr Ball on the visit to Barking Abbey School. She said: “Video gaming and the internet themselves are a very positive and important part of children’s and young children’s growing up and learning and development. But it is also about saying where are the risks?”

The review will take into account the views of parents, children and the wider industry about the use of internet and video games and the regulations that exist to protect children.

The final report will go to the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Culture Secretary James Purnell, said: “It’s essential that, as well as parents and children, the industry and the regulators engage with this review so we can deal with inappropriate content and maximise the huge advantages the internet brings.”

The call for evidence is open to any interested party and can be found on the Department's website or by emailing the Byron Review directly on byron.review@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk.

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