The ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) has released a free app for the iPhone and iPod touch (App Store link).

With this handy app you can search their for rating summaries to find out what content is in the videogame you (or your child) are interested in.

So while your at the local department store and Junior asks to buy Ultra Mega Battle 3000 you can quickly find out if it’s an age appropriate game.

Here’s the PSA the ESRB has produced.

This is a great tool to add to the super-parent utility belt. Like Batman you should always be prepared.

If you try out the app and have anything to add please let us know!

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A couple of quick newsworthy items to share with parents who have iPhones/iPod Touches in the family. Apple has recently released a new software update for their popular mobile platform. Among a slew of new features one is important feature – Parental Controls.

From Kotaku:

The ability to download and purchase Apps from the App Store can now be limited by rating. The ratings are based on for what age the games are appropriate: No Apps, 4+, 9+, 12+, 17+ and all Apps.

The device also allows people to disable the ability to make in-App purchases. It also allows similar policing of movies, music and TV shows.

This is great news. Apple is now rating the games they have for sale in their App Store and parents can now set permissions on what can be accessed on the device.

Here’s a quick guide to set the Parental Controls.

From the Home screen select “Settings” then “General”

Tap “Restrictions”

By default restrictions are disabled. Tap the “Enable Restrictions” button to enable. You’ll be prompted to enter a passcode to lock these settings.

After entering the new passcode twice you’ll then have the options to set parental controls for everything from Safari and YouTube to the App Store.

If you scroll down a little you’ll see an option for Apps. Tap this option to bring up the allowed apps rating.

From here select the rating you’d like to have as the maximum.

This is a great way to keep the more mature games separate from the kid approved ones! Apps that are above the threshold don’t appear on the home screen. Visiting the Parental Controls options and setting a lighter restriction will make them reappear.

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