What Parents Might Not Know About Video Games

Source: Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

(16 ratings)

As we move into the final stages of the holiday season, we see lists everywhere...Santa lists, gift wish lists for generous relatives, lists of preparations for holiday parties, grocery lists, "to do" lists...and the list could go on! Since video games are very likely high on many lists and a big source of entertainment in the tween world, we thought it might be helpful, as parents, to have one more list...one that focuses on just what parents should know (and may not) about video games. It's our good fortune that the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has provided us with this information to share with our readers:

There are plenty of choices that are OK for kids. There's a misconception that most games are those shoot ‘em ups that tend to get so much attention. But in fact it's games rated E for Everyone (ages 6+) that account for about 6 in 10 ratings assigned while games rated M for Mature (ages 17+) represent just 6%.

There's tons of information to help you make the right choice. Game review sites provide screenshots, gameplay videos, demos and other helpful information that can help you decide whether a game is right for you and your family.

Adults play, too. Games are oftentimes thought of as being intended for kids, but the average age of a gamer today is actually 35! Just like movies and TV shows, some games are meant for children while others are really only intended for adults to play.

Games can be played over the Internet. Today's game systems offer the ability to connect and play with others online, which can make the experience more exciting and engaging. However, playing games online involves many of the same risks as the Internet so parents should exercise the same caution.

Kids need to protect their privacy. Because online-enabled games can allow players to speak with one another, kids should know that they shouldn't share personal information with others, even people they think they can trust.

Bullies aren't just on the playground. Cyberbullying is a growing concern as more and more kids go online, and just like on a real playground there can be the occasional bully in the game world as well. The relative anonymity of interacting online can sometimes entice people to act in ways that they never would in person. Let your kids know they should come to you if they ever feel someone's harassing them online.

The control is in your hands. Game consoles (Xbox 360, Wii and PS3) and handhelds (Nintendo DSi and PSPgo) offer parental control features that allow parents to restrict games by ESRB rating as well as manage online access. In some cases they can even let you limit how much time per day or week your child can use the system.

Players can sometimes change the game. Some games allow or even encourage users to generate custom content through what are usually called "mods" (short for modification). For example, players can create their own characters and environments and share them with other players online. Beware that the content that other players create is not always consistent with the game's ESRB rating.

Retailers have your back. Virtually all game retailers have voluntary store policies not to sell Mature-rated titles to those under the age of 17. In fact, according to the FTC, national retailers refuse these sales 80% of the time, which surpasses the rate at which kids are denied admission to R-rated movies or told they can't purchase R-rated DVDs.

Entire economies live inside games. Many of today's online games offer features like "micro-transactions" where people can spend real world money to obtain virtual world goods (like buying a new jacket for your character). As a parent, make sure your child understands that there are usually costs associated with these types of features. And, of course, keep track of where and how your credit card is used.

The end is only the beginning. Downloadable content (or "DLC") lets players buy add-on levels and features that can extend the life of a game. This is a great way to get more value out of a game you already own and enjoy.

The business world values game skills. You did not misread that! Employers of today (and tomorrow) increasingly demand the skills that many games provide in spades, such as: aptitude with technology; quick, persistent problem solving; coordination and teamwork; and thinking both critically and creatively to complete an objective within a framework of rules and requirements.

You can play, too. Seriously. And you should! Playing games is a fun way to spend time with your kids while gaining a better understanding of the virtual worlds they enjoy visiting so often.

Check out these other video game related articles on tweenparent.com:

Video Game Ratings for Parents

The Irony of The Sims and My Tween

Does Your Tween Need Help Managing Screen Time?

With Proper Limits, Video Games Can Offer Benefits

Most Popular Video Games

The ESRB has been assigning ratings for video and computer games sold in the U.S. and Canada for 15 years. ESRB offers rating summaries on its website at www.esrb.org, providing a detailed description of content that factored into a game's rating. When Shopping for games, parents can look up a game's rating summary right from their mobile phone (at m.esrb.org) or through a free iPhone app.