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As video game technology advances, so does the technology that helps parents keep their children safe from inappropriate content in video games. Each of this generations video game systems have controls that allow parents to block what their children see and interact with. Depending on the system, parents can set restrictions for games based on Entertainment Software Ratings Board rating, application use, online connections and even how long children can play the game system.
Microsoft Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 has the most in-depth parental controls out of all the current video game systems. It gives parents the ability to control what games can be played, what movies can be watched based on MPAA rating, how long each family member can play, and if online games and applications can be used.
These controls can be enabled by accessing the Family Settings tab under the My Xbox section on the system main menu, or dashboard as it is called. The Family Settings tab has two sub-settings: Console Controls and Xbox LIVE Controls. The Console Controls help parents manage access to games, movies and TV shows, Xbox LIVE, and Xbox LIVE membership creation. Xbox LIVE Controls determine downloadable content and communication between other online players. Microsoft’s Xbox 360 support page has more information and a detailed walk-through on enabling parental controls.
Sony PlayStation 3
Playstation 3’s parental controls aren’t as broad as the Xbox 360’s, but it is easier to access and more user-friendly. The parental controls are accessed on the main menu, otherwise known as the XMB or XrossMediaBar, in the Security Settings option under Settings. The Security Settings allow parents the option control games, DVDs, Blu-ray discs and the PlayStation Network. The PlayStation 3 also has an Internet browser, so there is an option to block access to the browser or utilize an Internet filter subscription. More information on the PlayStation 3 Security Settings can be found on the Sony PlayStation 3 Online Users Guide.
Sony PlayStation Portable
The Sony PlayStation Portable, or PSP, has very basic parental controls. Some games and videos made for the PSP have a parental control level encoded into it based on content. The level rating is 1-11 and is determined by objectionable content with '1' being no objectionable content and '11' being very objectionable content.
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Nintendo Wii
The Nintendo Wii allows parents the ability to control what games are played on the system based on the game’s ESRB rating. It also allows control over what channels can be accessed, like the Internet Channel and User Created Content. The parental controls are enabled through the Wii System Settings under Parental Controls. Once parental controls are enabled, a four-digit PIN must be set as a temporary override. A visual walk-through of the Wii’s Parental Controls can be found on the Nintendo Support website.
Nintendo DS
There are actually four different versions of the Nintendo DS. The original Nintendo DS and DS Lite have no parental controls available. The newer DSi and DSi XL have very complex parental controls that can govern what games are played based on ESRB rating. Parents can also control what pictures are shared, if the Internet browser is accessible, and if games can be downloaded, and more. Just like the Wii, the Parental Controls are under the Settings option on the system main menu. A four-digit PIN is required as well with parental controls enabled. A complete guide to the Nintendo DSi and DSi XL parental control options and settings is available on the Nintendo Consumer Service website.
Randle Vawdrey was born and raised in the Salt Lake Valley. He is currently studying broadcast journalism at Brigham Young University. He can be contacted through email at auron585@gmail.com.
