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.

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.