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February 1, 2010
• Vol.7 Issue 2 Page(s) 75 in print issue | |
ESRB Game Ratings & Descriptions Find Material That’s Appropriate For Your Kids | |
 ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) Ratings In order for parents to select gaming software appropriate for their children, ESRB ratings (www.esrb.org) are listed on the front and back of most game packages to provide concise and impartial details about a title’s content.  Early Childhood. Titles with this rating have content that may be suitable for children ages three and older. These software titles contain no material that parents would find inappropriate.  Everyone. Titles with this rating have content that may be suitable for children ages six and older. Games in this category may contain minimal cartoon, fantasy, or mild violence and infrequent use of mild language.  Everyone 10+. Titles with this rating have content that may be suitable for children ages 10 and older. Games in this category may contain more cartoon, fantasy, or mild violence and language as well as minimal suggestive themes.  Teen. Titles with this rating have content that may be suitable for children ages 13 and older. Titles in this category may contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling, or infrequent use of strong language.  Mature. Titles with this rating have content that may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older. Games in this category may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content, or strong language.  Adults Only. Titles with this rating have content that should only be played by persons 18 years and older. Games in this category may include prolonged scenes of intense violence, graphic sexual content, or nudity. For additional information, ESRB ratings on the back of game packages include content descriptions and depictions. Gaming Tips For Parents Aside from checking ESRB ratings, there are other ways you can ensure that the games your youngsters are playing are age-appropriate. • Carefully look at everything on a title’s packaging, including the game graphics. • Find game reviews, screenshots, or demos to get a better idea of a game’s content. • If available, use game parental controls to restrict mature and inappropriate content. • Learn about games by talking to other parents and older children who are familiar with or have played certain titles. • Participate in your children’s gaming and discuss their games as much as possible. • Be aware of nonrated ESRB material a game may contain. “Mods” are program downloads that can alter a game’s content, and online games often have live player chats as well as other user-generated content. |
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