January 26, 2004

By: Emma Egan
Website: http://www.1st-in-toys.com

Retailers Urged to Enforce Video Game Ratings and Parents Urged to Check Ratings

The National Institute on Media and the Family today commended the Entertainment Software Rating Board for revising their rating system. The National Institute on Media and the Family has issued seven MediaWise Video Game Report Cards that measure the performance of the video game industry, including the rating system. The Report Card has repeatedly called for ratings reform.

The National Institute on Media and the Family has long advocated improvements in the ratings to better inform parents about the content of video games, Dr. David Walsh, president of the Institute, said. We are glad the ESRB has responded. Dr. Walsh added the Institute will continue to monitor the accuracy and usefulness of video game ratings and will call for any recommended changes.

Dr. Walsh also took this opportunity to urge parents to use the ratings as well as to urge retailers to strictly enforce the ratings. Now it is time for the retailers to step up to the plate, Dr. Walsh said. Improved ratings are fine, but they won't do much good if retailers don't enforce them and parents don't use them. While some responsible retailers are keeping inappropriate games away from kids, others have refused to do anything or else enforce them in a haphazard fashion.

Also see: Science Games

About The Author:

Emma Egan is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-toys.com.  Find all the toys you wish you had as a kid. Fun and educational toys found here.