(Note: ESRB and MPAA ratings are used but there are equivalents in other countries.)
As the Christmas season ends another group of kids will get their hands on multiple games and some will be exposed to M rated games, maybe for the first time. With that, there seems to be an issue that, despite how often it’s brought up, still seems to be a problem. The issue is the M Rating for video games. M means for mature audiences and comes with a major age warning which is age 17 and older. This means that the game may be inappropriate for anyone under the age of 17. This is equivalent to the R rating for movies.
I’m sure I’m preaching to the choir here and anyone who has a big interest in gaming will know the argument that M rated games are not for children. However, often times, parents still buy their kids these games. Often with the concept that games are still just kids toys and couldn’t possibly be bad. Then they get surprised and shocked when they find the game has intense violence or nudity.
Grand Theft Auto V is a good example. The game has hardcore depictions of graphic violence, nudity and non-appropriate scenes in it. The game is, naturally, rated M for Mature but parents still purchase this game for their children and some go on to complain about the content.
I don’t know why this idea that M rated games would be considered OK for children. They’re not and never will be. That’s what the rating system is for. It’s there to allow parents to make responsible decisions as to what their children are exposed to. It really should be utilized and the tools are there just for that.
The front of the box will always show the rating. If you flip the box over then there will also be a short description of why the game got that rating which includes important information as to what level of violence, is there any substance abuse, nudity, etc. The tools are there at the box, on the shelf, at the store.
This isn’t the only toll at hand however. There is also the ESRB website which allows you to search any game title. This will allow you to see the rating, a short description and an in-depth description. This can be done from any mobile device or computer and should also be utilized. The website is there so you can make informative decisions as to what children are exposed to.
Now, keep in mind, that I am not saying what a parent should allow their child to watch or play. That’s not, at all, my intention. I’m merely saying that parents should be aware of what their children are exposed to. If you don’t have a problem with them seeing graphic violence or nudity in a video game that’s your choice. If you do, however, then you really need to research what kind of game your child wants.
The link to the ESRB website can provide valuable information as to what kind of content is in a game and don’t forget that you can view rating and rating information on the box of any game you buy so keep that in mind when purchasing more video games for children.
Link to ESRB’s website http://www.esrb.org
