We’re going to introduce you to a very important tool today. This is the Entertainment Software Ratings Board label. You can find the description of each of their classifications here on their website. This label is printed on the front and back of all games to let consumers know who the intended audience is for the title. For example, if you wanted to take your 5-year-old to a movie, you’d probably avoid the “R” rated options. Similarly, you wouldn’t want to buy him/her an “M” rated game.

You’ll find the label on the lower left corner on the front of a game as well as repeated on the lower right corner of the back. You will notice that on the back, they provide further information to clarify the rating. In the case of this title, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, the ESRB notes the following reasons why it is intended for an audience of at least 17 years:

One of the greatest challenges we have as parents is to recognize that the preconception, “Videogames are just for kids,” is no longer valid. We have seen a similar maturation of content in almost every entertainment industry. All media including books, magazines, popular music, movies, and television provide options which are not intended for children. Even comic books are no longer an easy choice for kids. We must not assume that something is appropriate for a child because it’s a game or a comic. As parents we need to filter what our children consume until they’re old enough to make that decision for themselves.

The fact is that there are no absolutes. As our children grow, we must actively discuss these options and it is only through listening to them that we can determine when they may be ready for certain experiences. As parents, this will always be one of our greatest challenges…but the rewards are beyond measure.