Kids' Computer Games

Kids' Computer Games Ratings

The Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) is an organization which examines the content in computer and video games and provides a rating based upon that content to help guide parents when choosing what kids' computer games they will allow their children to play. Similar to motion picture ratings, the ESRB ratings range from EC (Early Childhood - appropriate for ages three and up) to AO (Adults Only - a rating that is rarely seen and not carried by most retailers).

The ESRB began rating games in 1994 and the rating system is supported by the industry. Game developers and publishers willingly submit their games to the ESRB for ratings and, similar to the method used by filmmakers, will edit their games' content if seeking a particular rating. The rating system only works, however, if parents understand it. ESRB rules mandate that a game's rating be displayed prominently on its packaging as well as in all advertising for the product. Parents should know to look for the rating when considering whether to allow their children to play a particular game and should know what each rating means.

Are Ratings Enough?

There are those who argue that the game industry's practice of supporting the ESRB's rating system is not enough. Jack Thompson, a Florida attorney is an outspoken activist concerning the links between video game violence and the real thing and former first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton recently introduced a bill which would make it a crime for a retailer to sell an M (mature) rated game to a minor. Industry insiders and supporters, however, point out that there is still no scientific evidence to support the notion that playing violent computer games leads one to commit real acts of violence and that there are no groups rallying against the motion picture industry in this way; suggesting an instance of selective prosecution and stifling of First Amendment rights.

The Power of Parents

In the end there is no replacement for parental guidance and supervision. You know what you believe is appropriate for your children and what is not. As such you should take an active role in determining what kids' computer games they should and shouldn't play in the same way that you determine what movies they should see and what television shows they should watch. You're probably not likely to allow your five-year-old to watch The Shining and you're less likely to allow her to take part in the mayhem of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. The decision is rightfully in your hands.

Recommended Kids' Computer Games

The current debates about violence and adult content in video and computer games coupled with many parents' lack of understanding concerning the ESRB ratings has led to the obvious question of whether to allow children to play computer games at all and, if so, which ones to get for them. Fear not, parents; there are plenty of games that you can allow your children to play without worry. For every Resident Evil or Grand Theft Auto the industry releases, there are countless family friendly titles available for most age groups.

For toddlers, preschoolers, and children in the kindergarten through second grade there are many enjoyable games that teach the basics of the alphabet, numbers and counting, and basic math. Games like 101 Dalmatians Storybook and Arthur's Preschool are perfect ways for young kids to have fun while learning to read. Older kids will enjoy titles like Toy Story 2 Activity Center and Tonka Firefighter a great deal.

As kids get into the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades their desire for childish titles like these will wane and they'll yearn for more "grown up" titles. If you're not quite ready to allow them to take part in the carnage of a game like Half Life quite yet, however, you may try plying their interests with titles like Lego Racers and X-Scooter. Finally, in middle and high school kids can still learn from games like Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? and Ultimate 3D Skeleton or merely spend some entertainment time with age-appropriate games like the popular Tycoon series (Zoo Tycoon, Roller-Coaster Tycoon) or the popular Nancy Drew mystery games like The Secret of the Old Clock and well known titles like The Sims which may sport some adult themes but offer nothing in the way of graphic language, sex, or violence. Lego Star Wars is popular with kids of all ages and is even fun for the adults who play with them!