ESRB-video game ratings

If your kids play video games, you might have noticed that the game box, and the screen before the game loads, display a rating such as “E” for everyone, “T” for teen, “M” for mature. Those ratings are developed by the ESRB, which stands for Entertainment Software Rating Board. The ESRB is a non-profit, self-regulatory organization that independently assigns ratings to video games.

I read through the page on the entire process that the ESRB goes through before assigning a rating, and it’s quite comprehensive. The game publishers have to submit answers to a detailed questionaire, provide a videotape or DVD showing all pertinent content, and then submit a beta version of the game for the ESRB’s testers to play. They then suggest a rating, and the publisher can make changes to the game if necessary to affect the rating. If your kids do play video games, click this link to read about how the ratings process works, it’s pretty interesting.

Now, to be honest, my husband and I let our kids play violent video games. I think Nathan was 7 and Ryan 9 when we first got our Xbox and they started playing Halo with their Dad. It was a personal decision that we made based on knowing what our boys were able to handle in terms of violence and strong language. We were careful to make sure they understood that what they were seeing on the screen was not real, and that they should never, ever imitate or repeat what they did in a game. We watched carefully for signs of increased aggression, and when we didn’t see any changes in how they behaved when they weren’t playing the game, we allowed it to continue.

But that does not mean that Halo and other games like it are appropriate for all children. The ESRB has a parent resource page that has links to sites that provide information about “family friendly” video games, websites that show screenshots and post reviews, information on parental control settings for videogame consoles, tips on online safety, and more. If your kids are asking for video games for Christmas, please check the ESRB Parent Resource page if you have any concerns about the appropriateness of the game. I want everyone to have a fun and safe Christmas!