Gaming tips for parents

Parents concerned about unsuitable content that may be contained in video games their children may play, can get online advice and information from the games industry.

In an attempt to combat what it believes is misinformation about the games industry in some sections of the media, ELSPA, the trade association for the UK games industry, has developed a new website, askaboutgames.

The site is aimed mainly at parents and guardians who have been alarmed about content and suitability following lurid reports about the levels of violence and other inappropriate content for minors. Games such as Manhunt and Grand Theft Auto have reportedly been linked to murders.

The games industry wants to show it is being responsible by rating games with unsuitable content for certain age groups. It commissioned a study this summer which claimed parents let children play games for adults, even though they knew they were 18-rated.

The site hopes to give people a better understanding of the age ratings system for computer and video games through clear, detailed explanations of game ratings and symbols, why ratings are important, how they work and tips on how children should play safely.

Askaboutgames.com also highlights ways in which consumers can work in the games industry and courses that are available to school leavers to get onto a gaming career path.

Roger Bennett, director general of ELSPA said: “We believe that through the askaboutgames.com website parents will see that the games industry is as well regulated as all other entertainment mediums.

"Armed with the facts on game ratings, parents will be able to buy games for their children for Christmas and throughout the year with the assurance that their children are not being exposed to content unsuitable for their age.”