Brussels, 13/02/2009 (Agence Europe) - Video games should not be demonised - they have a beneficial effect on the mental development of children - but parents should have a “red button” to allow them to disable games they feel to be inappropriate. That is the message contained in the own initiative report by Toine Manders (ALDE, Netherlands), adopted unanimously by the European Parliament internal market and consumer protection committee on 11 February.
Video games do not only have a recreational value, they can also be used for educational and medical purposes, stresses the report. However, not all games are suited to all age groups and the possibility of harmful effects on the minds of children cannot be ruled out. To help parents choose, MEPs would like to see more public awareness of the content of video games, parental control options and instruments such as the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) age rating system. While not recommending specific European legislation, MEPs believe member states should ensure their national rating systems do not lead to market fragmentation. Harmonisation of labelling rules would be of help. Member states should also agree on a common system based solely on PEGI. Online games that can easily be downloaded onto a PC or mobile phone, are of particular concern since parental control is more difficult, the report says. Until PEGI on-line is up and running, the report proposes fitting consoles, computers or other game devices with a "red button" to give parents the chance to disable a game or control access at certain times. Drawing on recent studies, the report says that violence in video games does not automatically lead to violent behaviour, although prolonged exposure to scenes of violence can have an adverse effect on the player and even potentially lead to violent behaviour. For this reason, an amendment tabled by the civil liberties committee calls on the member states to frame specific civil and criminal legislation on the retailing of violent TV, video and computer games and argues that special attention should be given to online games. Highlighting the need to tighten up controls on video games, producers, retailers and parents should take appropriate steps. MEPs, therefore, back the idea of a Europe-wide code of conduct for retailers and producers of video games. Above all, however, internet café owners are singled out and reminded of their responsibilities. A Eurobarometer survey shows that 3.2% of children aged 6-17 access the internet without adult supervision in internet cafes. (I.L./transl.rt)