Do you know about the PEGI game rating system?
It is used to rate entertainment content such as games, DVDs and films so you know what is suitable for your child to watch, play or use. It does not relate to skill levels needed to play the game only the content that is seen.
You’ll have seen the numbers on the boxes and packaging of games. These are the age levels that the game content is suitable for. So, if there is a 3 that means that the game content is suitable for all, like a U rating on films. There should be no violence apart from in a comical sense, such as Ben and Jerry cartoons, and there should be no bad language.
A 7 PEGI rating means there may be some possibly frightening scenes or sounds which would be considered suitable for a 7 year old or older.
A 12 PEGI rating means there may be some violence of a more graphic nature but it would towards fantasy characters or non-graphic violence towards more human like characters. Video games may have nudity of a more graphic nature in them although any bad language must be mild.
This information is taken from the PEGI website and can be read in full by clicking on this link.
Some PEGI rating for popular games our children say they are playing
Minecraft PS4 Edition/ XBox Edition- 7. The game content is only suitable for those age 7 and over. It contains non-realistic violence towards fantasy characters. The pictures and/or sound may be upsetting to younger children. There is also non-realistic violence towards human like characters although they are not very detailed. This game can be played with other ONLINE.
Call of Duty- 18. This game content is only suitable for persons aged 18 and over. It contains extreme violence, multiple, motiveless killing, violence towards defenceless people and strong language. Depending on the device this game is played on it can be played with others ONLINE.
Grand Theft Auto- 18. This game content is only suitable for persons aged 18 and over. It contains extreme violence, multiple, motiveless killing, violence towards defenceless people and strong language. Depending on the device this game is played on it can be played with others ONLINE.
This information is again taken from the PEGI website. You can find out the rating and information above by clicking on this link to search for the game you want.
Please think carefully about the games that your children playing. Please think if they are suitable for your child. Don’t forget you can put Parental Controls on devices in your home and on your Wi-Fi network.
There is a Parents Guide to Video Gaming where you can find out more.
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