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| Vol. 20: This Issue |
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A
Guide to Video Game Ratings
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 Because
research links video games to aggressive behavior in
children and growing amounts of sex and violence appear
in the top-selling games every year, parents need to
know about the content of the games their kids play.
The easiest and most effective way to provide this information
to parents is through an accurate rating system. When
ratings are effective, a quick glance can give parents
a good sense of the overall content of a particular
game.
A newer medium than movies and TV, video games were
relatively late in providing ratings for consumers.
But thanks to the creation of the Entertainment Software
Rating Board (ESRB) in 1994, the video game industry
became one of the most responsive to the concerns of
parents. Unfortunately, in the world of big media, it
doesn’t take much effort to be near the top of
the heap.
The ESRB rates each game using a Rating Symbol and Content
Descriptors. The Rating Symbol rates a game’s age-appropriateness
and provides basic information about the game’s
content. Content Descriptors are included when the game
has other features not described by the Rating Symbol.
Generally accurate and helpful, the ratings do not always
match up with the views of parents, according to research
by the Institute.
 For
parents and others who want more in-depth considerations
of popular games, the Institute now offers online video
game ratings and reviews written by professional video-gamer
Jeremy Gieske. Available along with the Institute’s
interactive database of KidScore® ratings, these
reviews take a look at the most popular games from a
family-friendly perspective. |
ESRB
Attempts to Clarify Ratings
On June 26, 2003, the
Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) revised
its rating system by adding four new content
descriptors and requiring more visible descriptive
labels on game packages. The four new content
descriptors identify different kinds of violence
in video games.
Cartoon violence features “violent
actions involving cartoon-like characters.”
Fantasy violence portrays “human
or non-human characters easily distinguishable
from real life.”
Intense violence shows “graphic
and realistic-looking depictions of physical
conflict.”
Sexual violence warns of “depictions
of rape or other violent sexual acts.”
The National Institute on Media and the Family
has long advocated ratings reform. We hope this
new set of tools will help consumers make safe
choices for children.
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Legislative Update: Video Games Under
Scrutiny
In May, Washington became the first state in the nation
to ban the sale of certain violent video games to children.
Governor Gary Locke signed into law legislation that prohibits
selling or renting video games to children under the age
of 17 if the games contain violence against police officers.
Retailers in violation of this ban could be fined up to
$500. A U.S. District Court Judge issued an injunction on
July 10 blocking enforcement of the law until the court
rules on its constitutionality.
Other legislation to prohibit the sale or rental of adult
video games to children has been introduced this year in
Florida, Minnesota, Mississippi, Michigan, and New Jersey.
On the federal level, Congressman Joe Baca (CA) has introduced
H.R. 669, the Protect Children from Video Game Sex and Violence
Act of 2003. This bill, which currently has over 40 cosponsors,
would prohibit the sale or rental of adult video games to
minors.
New Partnerships and Grants
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Each
year we work with others to fulfill our mission to maximize
the benefits and minimize the harm of media. Recently,
three new projects were given life by the help of like-minded
organizations.
Working together for children and youth
In a newly created partnership with the National Institute
on Media and the Family, the Search Institute will work
with us to leverage our organizations’ two greatest
resources – the MediaWise message and developmental
assets. The collaboration is intended to mobilize families,
organizations, and communities toward the healthy development
of children and youth.
Proposed activities include:
- Joint training, presentations,
and workshops
- Co-promotion/distribution
of resources
- Joint research on media
issues
Combating youth obesity
Institute President Dr. David Walsh became a founding
member of the Coalition for a Healthy and Active America
(CHAA) this summer. A non-profit national grassroots
coalition, CHAA is a vigorous advocate for developing
healthy and active lifestyles for America's youth.
“Dr. Walsh’s passion for the health of our
nation’s children makes him a natural fit as a
founding member of the Coalition for a Healthy and Active
America,” Minyon Moore, CHAA founding member, said.
“We welcome his expertise as we continue in the
fight against childhood obesity.”
Helping families
With the generous support of the Cargill Foundation,
the Institute will team up with two organizations to
bring the MediaWise ® program to their client families.
Washburn Child Guidance Center and La Creche Early Childhood
Center will implement the MediaWise ® Program with
120 families. It is estimated that 85 percent of the
families are single-parent and 95 percent are near or
below the poverty line. We hope that MediaWise ®
education will reduce the risks media may pose for the
children in the project. |
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Media
Violence and Children: A New Book by Dr. Gentile
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 We
are excited to announce the publication of a new book,
Media Violence and Children: A Complete Guide for
Parents and Professionals, edited by our director
of research, Douglas Gentile, Ph.D.
Media Violence and Children compiles 40 years
of scientific proof that media violence has profound
negative effects on children. A complete reference
book from the foremost scholars in the field, it explores
cutting edge research, theory, and public policy,
and offers a sophisticated understanding of how and
why media violence hurts children. This book also
examines media violence research in light of current
policy, pointing to future steps to reduce the danger
of media violence.
Published by Praeger Publishers in October 2003, this
first-of-its-kind book is available for order now
at Amazon.com.
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A student and the mother of
an adorable 2-year-old child, Sarah Gustafson has
been volunteering with the National Institute since
March. She works on various projects including Internet
research, updating the online KidScore listings, filling
product orders, typing abstracts, and graciously helping
with any other Institute project that can use a little
assistance.
 Currently,
seven dedicated individuals regularly volunteer their
time to the National Institute. Ranging from students
to parents to professionals with MBAs, our volunteer
team is dedicated to helping America's children and
families.
Volunteers can commit to as few or as many hours as
their schedules allow. Some volunteers take on large,
detail-oriented projects and work mainly from home,
while others come into the office each week to work
on ongoing administrative tasks, writing and proofreading,
and Internet research. Special projects are designed
and assigned based on interest, experience, and availability.
If you are interested in volunteering or learning
more about volunteer opportunities, please contact
Emily Chasco, Volunteer Coordinator, via email at
echasco@mediafamily.org or via phone 612.672.4731.
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You can help
us help families
Future research and outreach efforts could not be possible
without continued support. The Institute accepts donations
via mail, telephone, and online:
606 24th Avenue South, Suite 606
Minneapolis, MN, 55454
1-888-672-5437 • www.mediafamily.org
Concerned about how media violence and disrespect affects
your family?
What:
Support the important work of the National Institute
on Media and the Family.
Why: Kids
need your help. The Institute is a nonprofit organization.
Your gift helps us help parents and educators help children.
How: Send
your tax-deductable gift to:
National Institute
on Media and the Family
Riverside Professional Building
606 24th Ave. South, Suite 606
Minneapolis, MN 55454-1438
Who: YOU
can make a difference for our children.
Also:
How
you can help.
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