This section is to help provide parents with information on some of the most popular online video games and consoles played by kids and teens. There are always pros and cons to online gaming. Knowing about these online games, along with privacy and parent controls that can be set, can help gain a better understanding of the online contact with others and the limits that can be set.
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Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch
XBOX
XBOX
Playstation
Playstation
Video Game and App Ratings
Video Game and App Ratings
Some apps and almost all video games available for purchase (through retail channels or by downloading) are rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The ESRB has six rating categories:
Some apps and almost all video games available for purchase (through retail channels or by downloading) are rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The ESRB has six rating categories:
- C (for Early Childhood): content is intended for young children
- E (for Everyone): content is generally suitable for all ages. May contain minimal cartoon, fantasy, or mild violence; and/or infrequent use of mild language.
- E-10+ (for Everyone 10+): content is generally suitable for ages 10 and up. May contain more cartoon, fantasy, or mild violence; mild language; and/or minimal suggestive themes.
- T (for Teen): content is generally suitable for ages 13 and up. May contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling, and/or infrequent use of strong language.
- M (for Mature): content is generally suitable for ages 17 and up. May contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content, and/or strong language.
- A (for Adult Only): content suitable only for adults ages 18 and up. May include prolonged scenes of intense violence, graphic sexual content, and/or gambling with real currency.
The ESRB also has a long list of content descriptors to help explain why a game or app got the rating it did. Examples include things like nudity, blood, strong language, use of alcohol, and use of drugs.
The ESRB also has a long list of content descriptors to help explain why a game or app got the rating it did. Examples include things like nudity, blood, strong language, use of alcohol, and use of drugs.
If you only do 3 things:
Talk with your child about responsible use of their games console – what is okay and not okay to use it for? What are the risks? Tell your child what they should do if something goes wrong while using it. This could be to take a step away from the console and tell an adult.
Explore parental controls that are available on the console, your home WiFi, or both. It’s a good idea to talk through these controls with your child too. An open conversation with your child is the most important thing, but parental controls can also be a helpful tool to manage your family’s use of technology.
Think about the location of the console. Will it be in a shared family space (best for younger children) or in a bedroom? If it is to be in a bedroom, think about: setting time limits on when and for how long they can use it; reminding them about the risks of other players; and encouraging them to come to you with any worries.
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