Using the Box Download
Parent Guide (PDF)
Every video game is sold in a box that displays
one of these ratings on the front. On the back of the box, more extensive content
information is provided with the rating symbol. This information explains the
levels of violence, sexual content, language, and other elements a game contains.
Make sure you read this information in addition to the symbol. The back of the
box usually features screen shots and other copy that describe the content of
the game.
Online Play
Although games that allow online
play do have an ESRB rating these games also provide a warning: “Online Interactions
Not Rated By The ESRB.” In other words, games with the online option have
been evaluated, but that doesn’t mean everyone who plays them will follow
these standards.
Parents need to take special precautions with online-capable
games. Please refer to the section of this guide entitled “Making Online
Play Safe For Your Kids” for more information.
Ratings Summaries
Starting this year, the ESRB now offers more extensive ratings summaries.
Providing parents with more information than the symbol and content descriptors,
these summaries give an in-depth assessment of each game.
Every ESRB
rating is available via its Web site, esrb.org, in addition to a the ParenTools
newsletter that keeps parents up to date on new releases, and a special ESRB site
for mobile devices, m.esrb.org. ESRB.org also allows parents to download a searchable
“widget” that parents can use to find the rating and rating summary
of any game.
These new tools offer parents more information than similar
ratings systems for any other entertainment medium. This information is also easier
to access than other ratings information. Make sure you take advantage of the
helpful resources mentioned above. At the same time, make sure you’re aware
of the potential dangers video games pose, seeking the advice of outside resources,
other parents and your own observations. While helpful and welcome, these new
tools from the ESRB are not substitute for MediaWise parenting. |
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