Parenting Tweens

Video games are an embedded part of our children's lives. With all the games available for purchase, and all the different ratings given to games, it is no wonder that parents stand there confused about what to let their child play. Use this handy guide to explain the ratings, so you can decide if a game is right for your child.

ESRB (something you see on every video game case) stands for the Entertainment Software Rating Board. These are the guys that review and rate the content on each and every video game on all gaming systems across the board, from Playstation to XBox 360, and others.

eC - Early Childhood: Should have nothing that is inappropriate for any age. These games are recommended for children ages 3 and up.

E - Everyone: Could have some minimal violence and very mild language. These games are recommended for children ages 6 and up.

E10+ - Everyone 10 and older: Likely contains cartoon or fantasy violence, mild language, and possible suggestive themes. These games are recommended for children aged 10 and up.

T - Teen: High levels of violence and/or language, strong suggestive themes, along with crude humor and simulated gambling. These games are recommended for children 13 and up.

M - Mature: Likely contains sexual behavior, abusive language, and bloody violence. Must be 17 or over to purchase with ID.

Ao - Adults Only: Likely contains graphic violence, explicit sexual content, and nudity. Must be 18 or over to purchase with ID.

It is your discretion as the parent what you want your child to view on screen. Just because a rating system suggests something, does not necessarily mean the content is acceptable based on family values. A parent should always be involved in the purchase of video games, especially with younger children.