Governor Rendell Reminds Parents to Understand, Use Video Game Ratings

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell
today reminded Pennsylvania parents to check the ratings of video games before
purchasing the games for their children.

"Parents face many tough decisions about the images and media they allow into
their homes," said Governor Rendell. "Game ratings developed by the
Entertainment Software Ratings Board offer an effective and informative tool
to help parents to decide if a certain video game is appropriate. When ratings
are used in conjunction with parental controls that are available on newer
game systems, parents are able to make sure that their children are playing
only games they deem suitable."

The Entertainment Software Ratings Board is a non-profit, self-regulatory body
established in 1994 by the Entertainment Software Association. The board
independently applies computer and video game content ratings, enforces
advertising guidelines, and helps ensure responsible online privacy practices
for the interactive entertainment software industry.

The Entertainment Software Ratings Board video game ratings employ a two-part
system. Rating symbols on the front of virtually every game package sold at
retail provide an age recommendation, such as EC (Early Childhood 3+), E
(Everyone 6+), E10+ (Everyone 10 and up), T (Teen 13+) and M (Mature 17+). On
the back of each package, next to the rating, are content descriptors that
provide information about what's in the game that may have triggered the
rating, or may be of interest or concern to parents. Parents are encouraged
to check both parts of the rating when choosing games for their children. A
complete list of ratings, content descriptors and their definitions can be
found on the ESRB website at http://www.esrb.org.

Entertainment Software Ratings Board ratings have become a trusted resource
for parents when choosing computer and video games. The most recent report
issued by the Federal Trade Commission found that 89 percent of parents with
children who play video games are aware of the ratings, and nearly
three-in-four use them regularly when buying games.

To help educate Pennsylvania parents about how to use the ratings system,
Governor Rendell will appear in broadcast public service announcements
developed and coordinated by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board. More
information about this outreach effort is available at
http://www.esrb.org/about/psa.jsp.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public
education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing
economic investment to support our communities and businesses.To find out more
about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter,
visit http://www.governor.state.pa.us.

CONTACT:
Chuck Ardo
717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

Chuck Ardo of the Pennsylvania Office of the Governor, +1-717-783-1116