Push to Raise Awareness of Video Game Ratings

A measure proposed by a New Jersey lawmaker would give parents clueless about video games the knowledge to help make informed options about what their children play.

The measure, passed Thursday by the Assembly Women and Children Committee, would raise awareness about ratings and labeling of electronic media, appointing June “Entertainment Ratings and Labeling Awareness Month.”

“If they are to support and embrace the rating system then our teenagers and youth will be appropriately utilizing video games to the level that is appropriate for them," said  Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt.

The resolution was crafted by Lampitt who sees more children than ever playing video games, and believes parents need to be made informed about their content.

“Promoting the use of these types of effective rating and labeling systems is vital to helping parents make informed choices that are appropriate for their families,” said Lampitt.

The effort would coincide with a campaign being spearheaded with numerous nationwide retailers that aims to help parents understand the ratings systems as well as the parental controls available in every video game system.

The Electronic Software Rating Board (ESRB) ratings are printed on video games sold in America, video games publishers voluntarily print the ratings on their packaging and retailers voluntarily adhere to rules preventing the sale of “Mature” rated games to minors.

The measure now awaits approval from the full Assembly.