How video games affect the brain

Tips on Managing Video Game Use

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  Know the rating of the video games your child plays (see below).
  
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  Don’t install video game equipment in your child’s bedroom.
  
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  Set limits on how often and how long your child is allowed to play video games.
  
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  Supervise your child’s internet use; many video games are available online.
  
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  Play video games with your child or ask them to teach you how to play.
  
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  Take time to discuss with your child the games they play or other media they watch. Talk to your child about how they feel when they play video games and share your own feelings with your child.
  

The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB)

The ESRB is a self-regulatory group established in 1994. The major video game makers created this board, which is similar to the movie industry’s rating system, after concerned groups applied pressure over video game content.
All major game companies now submit new products to specially trained raters at the ESRB. The ESRB looks at a number of factors when rating games. In particular, it considers the amount of violence, sex, controversial language and substance abuse found in a game. Based on its guidelines, the ESRB then gives each game an age recommendation and content descriptor.
ESRB rating symbols are:

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  Everyone (E): Content is suitable for all ages. May contain cartoon, fantasy or mild violence.
  
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  Everyone 10+: Content is generally suitable for ages 10 and up. May contain more cartoon, fantasy or mild violence, mild language and/or minimal suggestive themes.
  
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  Teen (T): Content suitable for persons ages 13 and older. Content is more violent than (E) rating and contains mild or strong language and/or suggestive themes.
  
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  Mature (M): Content suitable for persons 17 and older. Content definitely has more mature sexual themes, intense violence and stronger language.
  
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