Brussels, 01/03/2002 (Agence Europe) - On Friday, the Consumer Council adopted a resolution on the protection of young consumers by the labelling of certain video and computer games according to age-ranges. Concerned at the consequences, especially on minors, of the contents of some of these very heterogeneous products targeted at consumers of different ages, the Council stresses to what extent it is important "for consumers to have access to clear information, as regards the assessment of contents and the subsequent rating according to age groups, on the products being marketed, in order to allow an informed choice". It considers that appropriate labelling is a good means of attaining this objective, and to ensure greater transparency, while guaranteeing the free movement of these products. Aware that a large number of Member states have systems of classification by age based on different criteria, that reflect cultural diversity and different national and local sensitivities, the Council acknowledges that it would be useful to encourage, in all Member States, the setting up of clear and simple systems of classification. Self-regulation seems to it a good means of complementing national legislation, and it welcomes the Commission's intention of undertaking a study on existing systems of classification. Council President Celia Villalobos - whose country lies at the origin of the resolution adopted (Spain has reached a voluntary agreement between public authorities and Spanish distributors and publishers of entertainment software), welcomed this breakthrough as a "step towards the harmonisation of national provisions (…) to combat xenophobe, racist and sexist approaches or the promotion of violence and drugs among children". Commissioner David Byrne said that his colleague, Viviane Reding, responsible for education and culture, was responsible for this issue.