I had the good fortune to travel to London a few weeks ago. Symantec is working to create Family Online Safety programs in our European markets, just as we've done in the US. We're in very early stages but it's very exciting to meet my international colleagues and discuss the cultural norms that are emerging about children and the Internet. For example, in France, it seemed like people wouldn't be as easily convinced to get the computers out of their children's bedrooms. We have some work to do!! After all, 75% of children in the US access computers in public areas of their homes. (We have to convince the parents of the remaining 25% since private computers encourage risk-seeking behavior.)
While I was in London, I was privileged to meet with Dr. Tanya Byron, who is something like the "Dr. Phil" of England. She's been asked by Prime Minister Gordon Brown to conduct a review of children and the Internet and video gaming. During our meeting, we discussed online addictions and similar maladies associated with children on the Internet and gaming. Dr. Brown's team will complete their "Byron Review" in March 2008 with recommendations for the British government. How exciting to provide my comments to such a prestigious effort!