As a mom who is in the computer science fields and who tests and recommends video games for families, I am always giddy when I hear parents who want to play games with their kids, but for parents who aren't very tech savvy, I am also aware of the seriousness of the situation.
Sometimes for these kinds of parents, it's not all fun and games until they know exactly what to expect. In fact, the first question I am always asked by moms about video games is:
How do I know which games are okay for my kid to play?"
My first response is, "You know your kid best! But simply put, how would you find out what movie is best for your child?" It isn't all that different and only you as a parent, are capable of making a responsible judgement in terms of what you feel is appropriate or even borderline for your child.
Armed with new game consoles, computers, and mobile devices, plus a pocket full of gift cards from birthdays and holidays, kids everywhere are hoping to add a few new video games to their library. With so many choices, parents can sometimes feel a little overwhelmed trying to decide which games are appropriate for their children to play.
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), the non-profit organization that assigns age and content ratings for video games, is an excellent resource for helping parents navigate both the real and virtual game aisles. The familiar ESRB ratings for pc and console video games, including E (Everyone), T (Teen) or M (Mature), are now also assigned to downloadable games and apps in Google Play, Microsoft’s Xbox Live store, Nintendo eShop and the PlayStation Store.
ESRB offers the following tips for parents looking for the console games or mobile apps that are perfectly suited to their family:
1. Check the rating. Start with the recommended age rating. ESRB assigns E (Everyone), E10+ (Everyone 10 and older), T (Teen), M (Mature) and AO (Adults Only), which are clearly labeled on video game boxes or on the game’s page prior to downloading from an online or mobile storefront.
2. Review the content descriptors. ESRB uses about 30 different content descriptors for depictions involving violence, suggestive or sexual themes, language, controlled substances and other types of content to help parents understand what may have triggered a particular age rating.
3. Look for interactive elements. Interactive elements describe certain aspects of a game or app that may be of interest to many parents and consumers, and can be assigned to downloadable games and apps. These include the sharing of the user’s location, if the game or app enables the purchase of digital goods, if users can interact and/or if unrestricted internet access is provided.
4. Set parental controls. Today’s gaming devices have parental controls built in, which allow parents to block titles by age rating, ensuring children can access only age-appropriate games and apps. Depending on the device, parents can also control specific features like with whom their children can play online and whether in-game purchases can be made. Just make sure you never reveal your password or PIN!
5. Do your research. Check ESRB rating summaries at ESRB.org, which provide a more detailed explanation of content in many packaged games. Forget to check the rating summary before you set out on a gift-getting expedition? No problem — you can find rating summaries for packaged games on the ESRB app as well! If you still want more information, online reviews are another great resource. These often include screenshots, videos and other details that parents may find helpful in making a final purchase decision. You can also always talk to your local video game retailers — they’re often staffed with experienced gamers who can help guide parents toward the right games for their family. For downloadable games and apps, parents may want to review the details on the product’s page and some of the user reviews before downloading.
Perhaps most importantly, have fun! If you’re not already a gamer, try it — you might like it! Not only is it a great way to bond with your children, it allows you to share and better understand one of their passions. Never underestimate the value of playing as a family; enjoying games together enables you to engage in an ongoing conversation with your children about the games they want and love to play.
For me, some of our fondest family memories are playing video games together because my husband deployed so often that he couldn't be home with the kids as they grew up, so video games kept us connected and entertained together as a family. And now that my kids are high school teens, video gaming is like a second nature and I trust them to make the right decisions when they play.
If you're a parent who has kids who play video games, learn more video gaming tips & advice in my book Turn Off That Game & Pay Attention To Me
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