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Editorial: The Most Effective “Rating” There Is

March 13, 2008 in Blog comments 8

If parents take a more active stance in protecting their children and know what is appropriate for them, it can be as effective and even more effective than just the ESRB's ratings.

There has always been controversy around the video game ratings system (and movies too). Many people disagree with the ratings games are given, or games have to be censored to reach a desirable rating, or retailers get busted for not being strict enough when it comes to who they sell the games to. Whether it’s a senator, the ESRB themselves, or more likely the infamous Jack Thompson, there is always enough blame being sent around.

But it seems that among the many groups that can help prevent children from accessing content meant for older and more mature audiences, there is one that is continually left off the hook and forgotten: the parents.
z1zzy via megatonik.com »
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  • 2
    Anubis Mar 14, 08
    I agree that parents should monitor what their kids do. However, Jack Thompson and other people like him fail to realize that it should be up to the parent how "mature" they're kids really are. Imo, Jack and pals need to back off and let the parents do what they need to do. I also understand that most parents don't "do what they need to do" but, that's their deal.
    • 0
      Seproth Mar 14, 08
      I know in my local gamestop there are ESRB signs everywhere. They used to even play that Derek Jeter what game is right for you video all the time.

      It's not like it's even out of their way. Assuming that the store implements the rating system. Forcing the kid to have someone older buy it for them.
  • 0
    ShinyMilotic Mar 14, 08
    Of course the parents are the best to check if the game is okay, but they look at the ratings to think if it will be okay before they buy it..
  • 1
    Sereph Mar 14, 08
    Duh. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this out.
  • 1
    BANDITO ATTACK Mar 15, 08
    imo parents are too protective today.

    you aren't supposed to let your TV raise your kids. violent video games and movies shouldn't even matter. i played violent games when i was a kid, but my mother never gave a damn because she knew that i knew that ITS JUST A GAME.
  • 0
    Mario_1 Mar 15, 08
    Damn it, when will ageism stop?
  • 1
    Shadow of Death Mar 15, 08
    Problem is, is the fact many parents don't bother to learn about ratings....

    It takes them all of 10 seconds to figure out which is right for their kid, but they don't bother...

    They need to treat games the same way they treat movies, they don't go letting their 8 year old buy Total Recall do they?

    (On a side note, I saw Total Recall around that age, my dad didn't care)
  • 0
    King X2 Mar 16, 08
    It's not hard; read the rating. M = mature (17 and older); Ao = adults; E = everyone 6 and older and so on. They can check ESRB ratings if they want to know more about the rating system. Jack Thompson, however, can just back off. He's made a bad enough impression already.

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