Brussels, 17/03/2009 (Agence Europe) - The own-initiative report by Toine Manders (ALDE, NL) calls for better control of video games and was adopted by 552 votes in favour, 12 against and with 6 abstentions on 12 March. Parliament believes that not most games are not harmful and can even be used for educational purposes. It does consider, however, that parents should remain vigilant with regard to the games used by children. MEPs do not think that standard European legislation is the appropriate solution but rather, collaboration between member states to ensure that national systems do not lead to market fragmentation. MEPs are, above all, concerned about on-line games that are easy to download and difficult to control. The role of parents in this case is crucial and while waiting for the Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) age rating system to become operational, consoles, computers and other game devices should be fitted with a "red button" to give parents the chance to disable a game or control access at certain times. The report was adopted by the internal affairs committee on 11 February (EUROPE 9840). (I.L./transl.rh)