Euro MP calls for red button to control computer games
AN East Midlands Euro MP has backed moves for a "red button" that parents could use to disable their children's video games.
Glenis Willmott says many games can help children but that parents should be given the chance to call a halt to any they consider unsuitable.
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parental guidance: Glenis Willmott.
The recommendation from Europe is for games consoles to be installed with a red button, which parents could quickly press. This would block the game or control access at certain times.
"Research shows video games are useful for educational and medical purposes – and they can be good fun. But not all of them have content which parents will be happy with," she said.
"Online games, which are easy to download on to a PC or mobile phone, make parental control even harder."
A red button fitted to consoles, computers and other gaming devices which would offer parents the chance to control access or even disable games with inappropriate content.
The recommendations, in a report for the European Parliament, also say that parental control options on video games should be backed up by more information on game content and an age rating system standard across Europe.
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by Andy, Heanor
Thursday, March 26 2009, 11:17AM
“Is there an election for the parliament of silly ideas due soon?”
by Joanne, Derbys
Wednesday, March 18 2009, 12:59PM
“I have heard and read many times in the national media, concern that content in stuff like playstation games is gearing away very much from what might be considered appropriate for children- and that is a reality. It seems to be purely in the interests of selling to a wider market- or what is perceived as entertainment.
It is a fact of life that many young children use platstations, whether we like it or not. I agree there are some safety measures, like age recommendations- but there are often "hidden" elements that can be undesirable.So I agree there needs to be more stringent controls- AND an imaginative approach by manufacturers to gear part of their market more appropriately towards younger people.This would not impact in any way on the "adult" users/market- so I can't see why cause for complaint.
I have absoloutely no problem with sanctioning certain obvious games from my son-
but there seems to be a lot of undesirable content in amongst otherwise entertaining games.
The reality is, as I say- playstation games are the "norm" amongst childern's entertainment , therefore there should be the same precautions appled as any other form of online stuff/TV etc.”
by David, Telford
Wednesday, March 18 2009, 11:07AM
“All current consoles already have a big red button (called the on/off switch) and parental controls that can be set to prevent videos and games (both on disc and downloaded) from being played that are not age appropriate for whoever is using it.
What is actually needed is for parents to take responsibility for their children in the first place, set the parental controls, use one the vast numbers of online resources available to them to check the content of a game in depth before purchase, actually look at the age rating on the game case and take it seriosuly and learn to say "No Timmy, you're 12, I'm not buying you Grand Theft Auto, I don't care if it is 'just a game'"”
by Joanne, Derbys
Tuesday, March 17 2009, 2:43PM
“I'm not sure about a "big red button"(!)- but any research on
creating safer play online etc is surely a good thing.”
by Joanne, Derbys
Tuesday, March 17 2009, 2:40PM
“I'd like to actually hear from parents with children currently at a young age, and who do have current experience of their children using some of these games.
One small example is some of the skateboarding games on PS3- eg swearing and cars knocking people over as entertainment.This is deemed 12+; or car racing games that include police chases etc- again 12+. I think the PS3 manufacturers should think a bit more about children playing some of these games, which are otherwise enjoyable and entertaining. It seems when newer versions of games come out, the neagtive content increases in many cases.
And it is not always obvious from the age limits or front covers of games.
Considering how popular PS3 type games are with children and young people, I agree there should be safer measures applied.
These games are not just for teenagers and adults.”