My kids are playing what!?

 I am very concerned what is going on with parents today following the results of a poll on what parents thought of their childrens gaming habbits.

Apparently 43% of parents asked were unaware of the ratings system on games that helps them chose whether it is suitable for little Johnny. Is the whole big ‘18′ or’15′ or ‘16+’ on the cover of the game not enough? How can parents honestly say that they don’t understand it?

The other interesting thing that comes out of this survey is that 75% are worried about the content of the games their kids play. Well, if the game isn’t in their age range, which at least 32% of them are able to tell,  then it is going to most likely have been the parents who have bought the game.

The video game industry does its best to make absolutely sure parents are able to work out what it is that the game is about, it has age restrictions, and if parents are unable to work out whether a game that says ‘16+’ is suitable for their11 year old son/daughter then they really aren’t doing a great job at being a parent are they.

Considering 82% of parents said the, or the child’s other parent, were either the main or secondary factor in choosing the games their kids play and some openly admit they have no understanding of game suitability, should it not be higher than 17% that leave it up to game retailer staff who chose suitability.

I’m sure that the parents are ultimately the best choice of knowing what it is their kids can handle, but if they don’t know what is in the game how can they make a reasonable assessment.

MTFBWY