Best tips for choosing age-appropriate games across all platforms?

In today’s digital age, video games are an integral part of many children’s lives. While they offer numerous benefits, from problem-solving skills to social interaction, ensuring children play age-appropriate games across all platforms can be a daunting task for parents. With a plethora of titles spanning consoles, PCs, and mobile devices, making informed choices is crucial for safeguarding your child’s well-being and enhancing their gaming experience.

Understanding Game Rating Systems

The first line of defense in choosing appropriate games is to familiarize yourself with the established rating systems. These systems provide a quick and reliable indicator of a game’s content and intended audience. The most prominent systems include:

• ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board): Primarily used in North America, with ratings like E (Everyone), E10+ (Everyone 10+), T (Teen), M (Mature 17+), and AO (Adults Only 18+).
• PEGI (Pan European Game Information): Widely used across Europe, with age ratings such as 3, 7, 12, 16, and 18.
• CERO (Computer Entertainment Rating Organization): Japan’s rating system, using categories like A (All Ages), B (12 and up), C (15 and up), D (17 and up), and Z (18 and up).

Always check the rating on the game box, digital storefront, or game description before purchase or download. These ratings are not just about difficulty, but about the maturity of the content.

Deciphering Content Descriptors

Beyond the age rating itself, these systems also include content descriptors. These small icons or phrases detail the specific elements that contributed to the rating, such as ‘Violence’, ‘Strong Language’, ‘Suggestive Themes’, ‘Drug Reference’, ‘In-Game Purchases’, or ‘User Interaction’. Reading these descriptors provides a deeper insight into the game’s actual content, helping you determine if it aligns with your family’s values and your child’s emotional maturity.

Leveraging Platform-Specific Parental Controls

Every gaming platform—be it a console, PC, or mobile device—comes equipped with a suite of parental control features. Learning how to set these up is essential for creating a safe gaming environment tailored to your child’s age and your household rules.

Console Settings (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo)

Modern gaming consoles offer robust parental control options. These typically allow you to:

• Set Age Restrictions: Automatically block games above a certain rating.
• Manage Screen Time: Limit how long your child can play daily or weekly.
• Control Communication: Restrict online chat, voice communication, or friend requests.
• Monitor Spending: Prevent unauthorized purchases or set spending limits for digital stores.

Take the time to explore your console’s settings menu (often found under ‘Family Settings’ or ‘Account Management’) and customize them for each child in your household.

PC and Mobile Devices

Parental controls extend to PCs and mobile devices as well. For PCs, operating systems like Windows and macOS offer built-in family safety features to filter content, limit screen time, and monitor activity. On mobile, app stores (Google Play, Apple App Store) have their own rating systems and allow you to restrict app downloads by age, disable in-app purchases, and manage privacy settings. Consider third-party parental control apps for additional oversight and features.

Know Your Child and Foster Open Communication

While rating systems and parental controls are invaluable tools, nothing replaces knowing your child’s individual temperament and engaging in open dialogue. Some children may be more sensitive to certain themes than their age rating suggests, while others might handle mature content with greater understanding. Observe your child’s reactions to games and ask them about their experiences.

Encourage them to talk about the games they play, who they play with online, and any content that makes them uncomfortable. Playing games together can also be a fantastic way to bond, understand their interests, and guide their choices firsthand.

Utilize Community Resources and Reviews

Before committing to a new game, do your research. Many websites, like Common Sense Media, offer detailed reviews from a parental perspective, highlighting educational value, violence, language, and other concerns. Watching gameplay videos on platforms like YouTube can also give you a firsthand look at the game’s content and mechanics. Parent forums and online communities can also provide valuable insights and recommendations from other parents navigating similar challenges.

Conclusion: An Evolving Conversation

Choosing age-appropriate games is an ongoing process, not a one-time decision. As your child grows, their interests and maturity will evolve, and so too should your approach to their gaming. Stay informed about new games and platforms, regularly review and adjust parental control settings, and maintain an open and honest conversation with your child about their digital experiences. By combining these strategies, you can empower your children to enjoy the exciting world of video games safely and responsibly.