back GAMES CONVENTION ONLINE Advises on Protection for Young People Using the Internet (News from: 07/03/2009) Online4Family with Help for Parents, Teachers and Beginners Discovering the world through play and at the same time understanding the influence of modern media – many parents have already recognised the advantages for their children of online gaming. But there is considerable uncertainty. The internet knows no boundaries, and the diversity of options is simply immense. "What do I need to look out for to make sure my child doesn't land on the wrong game sites?" So far, there has been no central source to answer such pressing questions. It's different now. In its special "Online4Family" section, the GAMES CONVENTION ONLINE from 31 July to 2 August 2009 takes up the issue of the protection of young people on the internet. Showing the way to parents and their children, teachers, education experts and gaming beginners, will play a key role at the world's first trade show for browser, client and mobile games. "Their easy use makes online and mobile games very popular among children in particular. But they are often unable to assess what's suitable for them and what isn't. This is where the GCO comes in", says Silvana Kürschner, Strategy Director GC Global. Altogether five experts will give advice to visitors in the "Online4Family" section as to which games suit which age. In two gaming zones, typical roleplay games will be introduced, the differences from classical single-player games will be shown and terminology explained. Whether it's freestyle or playing to a fixed programme – students from Leipzig University help visitors to find their way around these virtual worlds. The focus is on boosting competence in the use of the media. "By schooling parents and their children together, we want to dismantle existing prejudices and point out possible dangers", is how Silvana Kürschner explains the objective. As well as recognising content of danger to youngsters, it is also about protecting personal data. According to a study from the industry's association BITKOM, more than four million Germans have already been a victim at some time or other of computer or internet crime. Seven per cent of all computer users over the age of 14 even suffered financial loss as a result. Using concrete examples, visitors find out which programmes are needed to protect themselves from such misuse and to be able to play online without worrying. Youth Protection Institutions with Joint Presentation The GAMES CONVENTION ONLINE is supported in this task by Saxony's private radio and new media institute, the Sächsische Landesanstalt für privaten Rundfunk und neue Medien (SLM). The SLM has been supervising content on radio, TV and the internet since 1991. It states its main aim as securing the diversity of opinion and the protection of children and young people. "Although the medium of the internet involves numerous dangers, there are scarcely any legal requirements so far for online games and protection of the young. This includes a lack of generally valid age classification for assessment of contents", says Professor Kurt-Ulrich Mayer, president of the SLM media council. Together with the most important youth protection institutions in Germany, the SLM will be here to answer visitors' questions. The institutions include: - Bundesprüfstelle für jugendgefährdende Medien (BPjM) - ComputerSpielSchule Leipzig - Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle Multimedia-Diensteanbieter (FSM) e.V. - Initiative "Ein Netz für Kinder“ - JFF – Institut für Medienpädagogik in Forschung und Praxis - Kommission für Jugendmedienschutz (KJM) - Pan European Game Information (PEGI) - Leipzig University – Media and Communications Centre. About the GAMES CONVENTION ONLINE The GAMES CONVENTION ONLINE is the first independent platform in Europe for what is currently the most dynamic market for the game industry: browser, client and mobile games. From 31 July to 2 August 2009, publishers, gaming portals and gaming service providers will be in Leipzig to introduce themselves. The trade show's concept is based on two separate areas. The focus is on the Business Center with professionally organised business matchmaking for trade visitors and an integrated dialogue conference. The public exhibition halls are where it's at for gamers. As well as taking part in many events and show matches, they can try out the very latest online and mobile games. Gaming communities are also offered a range of presentation opportunities. The GCO is accompanied by an interactive online event. Throughout the three days of the trade show, gamers have access at www.gamesconvention.com to a variety of exhibitor offers, TV streams, blogs and forums. Contact for the press: Torsten Anke Phone: +49 (0) 341 / 6 78 - 81 98 Fax: +49 (0) 341 / 6 78 - 81 82 e-mail: t.anke@leipziger-messe.de Internet: http://www.gamesconvention.com