ESRB reports: parents increasingly using ratings for game selection

A nation-wide research headed by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) noted that parents are becoming more restrictive when it comes to game selection. In fact, the report showed that 60% of parents with children under 18 do not allow their children to play M (Mature) rated games.

In consistency with the trade industry report by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the report also found that 34% of the parents sampled sometimes restrict their children from playing M-rated games. In addition, it has been reported that nearly 90% of parents across the U.S. are aware that games come with ESRB ratings, while 85% use the ratings regularly when purchasing games.

Around 75% of parents have claimed to also inspect ESRB ratings prior to game selection and purchase, which the report identifies as 10% jump from last year’s findings. Patricia Vance, president of the ESRB, commented that the findings of the report were “encouraging,” after having promised that the ESRB will do their best to inform parents of the ratings.

“The ratings continue to be a very important, if not the most important tool to help parents make an informed decision, and it’s clear that parents are using and relying on them in growing numbers,” Vance added. While the results continue to show that the ratings are increasingly being used, there are indications also that more parents are now assertive in the game selection process.

Click on Full Article to find out other findings of the report.

A nation-wide research headed by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) noted that parents are becoming more restrictive when it comes to game selection. In fact, the report showed that 60% of parents with children under 18 do not allow their children to play M (Mature) rated games.

In consistency with the trade industry report by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the report also found that 34% of the parents sampled sometimes restrict their children from playing M-rated games. In addition, it has been reported that nearly 90% of parents across the U.S. are aware that games come with ESRB ratings, while 85% use the ratings regularly when purchasing games.

Around 75% of parents have claimed to also inspect ESRB ratings prior to game selection and purchase, which the report identifies as 10% jump from last year’s findings. Patricia Vance, president of the ESRB, commented that the findings of the report were “encouraging,” after having promised that the ESRB will do their best to inform parents of the ratings.

“The ratings continue to be a very important, if not the most important tool to help parents make an informed decision, and it’s clear that parents are using and relying on them in growing numbers,” Vance added. While the results continue to show that the ratings are increasingly being used, there are indications also that more parents are now assertive in the game selection process. Other findings that have been noted down are:

• 87% of parents find it “very important” to be able to monitor and regulate what their children watch, read and play
• 90% of parents surveyed said that the ratings are “very” (55%) to “somewhat” (35%) helpful in helping them buy and rent games they deem appropriate for their children
• 91% say the ESRB ratings are the “most important” (17%), a “very important” (52%), or a “somewhat important” (22%) consideration when selecting games
• Other than ESRB ratings, parents turn to packaging (31%), other parents (29%), or their children (21%) as the top three sources of information about games
• 83% said that they would consider parental control settings to be “very” (53%) to “somewhat” (30%) helpful in allowing them to control the games their kids play

According to the official press release, the report was conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates in early April.