Computer Game Rating System: What Parents Need to Know

If you have been listening to the news lately, you probably know that there has been a lot of talk about the maturity rating for computer games. Some people even argue that availability of violent computer games to children and teens leads to aggressive tendencies and an increase in crime.

When choosing computer games for your family, it’s imperative that you understand the current rating system and how each rating is granted for particular games. Be aware that the rating system on the package may not always correspond with your own personal values. It’s always best to be aware of exactly what may be associated with each rating.

Games are rated by ESRB, the Entertainment Software Ratings Board. The ratings given are based on content and usually assigned with letter ratings that correspond to the requisite maturity level for that game. For example, some games might be rated as T for teen while others receive a M, meaning that they are not intended for individuals under the age of 17. In this regard, the ratings that are given to computer games are very similar to the ratings given to motion pictures. The rating is required to be displayed on the box as well as advertisements and any web sites relating to the game.

When considering whether a rating is appropriate for your child or teen there are two main factors you should take into consideration. The rating symbols and content descriptors. The lowest rating issued by the ESRB is the eC or Early Childhood rating. It is typically recommended that this content is not appropriate for children under the age of 3. One of the most confusing ratings is the E rating for Everyone. This rating actually recommends that that the content may not be suitable for children under the age of 6 and may contain mild violence and/or language.

Persons age six or older are recommended for the K-A rating, which is Kids to Adult. Be aware that minimal violence and some language may apply to games with this rating. E10+ is for everyone 10 years and older. Suggestive themes as well as mild language and violence may be associated with a game with this rating. The T or Teen rating indicates that a game may contain content that is inappropriate for children under the age of 13. Violence, suggestive themes, crude/strong language and blood may be included in a game with this rating.

The M rating is specifically reserved for mature content and is not advisable for persons under the age of 17. Games with this rating may include blood and gore, sexual content, intense violence and/or strong language. This type of rating is equivalent to the R rating on motion pictures. Finally, the AO (Adults Only) rating is deemed to be suitable only for individuals who are age 18 years old or older. Graphic sexual content and intense violence are associated with the content on games with this rating. Nudity may also be included.

When choosing computer games for your family, be sure to pay close attention to the rating on the package. In addition, it’s also wise to do a little research to make sure that the game you purchased does not contain any modifications you might find offensive. For example, there has recently been a great amount of debate over Grant Theft Auto: San Andreas due to the fact that it was modified to allow players to participate in sex scenes that were originally left out of the game. The game was later moved to an Adult Only rating, but only after countless young people and teens gained access to the questionable scenes.

Jason Petrina is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com

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