In the beginning, video games were universal. Everyone could play tennis or space invaders. There was nothing sinister there. Can you tell me who is not suitable for Mario Bros?

Currently, as the graphics have gotten more complex, so have the subject of the games themselves. Not all video games are suitable for all ages. Make your kids aware of the video game choices that are right for them. But before that, it’s important for you to know and understand what the ratings mean on the video games your children play. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) is an industry organization that has developed a rating system for computer, Internet and video games. ERSB rates games from those appropriate for children to those that are only appropriate for adults. The difference between video games is distinct so it is important for parents to be involved in the process and not let their kids purchase any game that they want.

Think of it as similar to how movies are rated. If a kid goes to a theater and asks for a ticket to see an R-rated movie, he is going to get carded unless he is with an adult. Shopkeepers can do the same. If a kid comes in and tries to buy a game that is not appropriate for his age level, they can ask for identification as proof of age.

If you’ve ever seen a mature game or a game that is rated for adults only, you will know why this system is in place. The rating levels are as follows:

• EC – Early Childhood
• E – Everyone
• E 10+ – Everyone over 10 years of age
• T – Teens
• M – Mature, anyone over 17 years of age
• AO – Adults only
• RP – not yet rated

For the most up to date list of content descriptors and definitions visit the ESRB Web site at: www.esrb.org

Most games fall between the E and the M. the main thing that changes is the violence and the language. In an E-rated game, you’ll see things like in Super Mario Bros. Teen games involve more crashed and fighting like Marvel vs. Street Fighter. There will be blood as well.

Mature games are the ones your kids will try to sneak past you in the house. Here you will hear profanity, possible nudity, sexual references and violent killings. Most of the war games, some fantasy and assassination games fall into this category.

As a parent, you want to limit the poor influences on your children as much as you can. If you have to, offer to play video games with your kids to find out what their friends are bringing over. To keep you out of their room and away from their friends, they will comply with the rules.

How do they remember which button moves what in those games? However they do it, it’s easier for a child to learn than an adult. It’s the parents role to feed those brain cells with fun games that are also educational. Show them how to use video games to take their education to an all new level.

Although I have written The Downsides of Online Games That Every Parent Should Know before, that doesn’t mean that all games are bad. Parents should start educational video games at an early age.

Start with the PC games. Companies like Leapfrog and Knowledge Adventure have put educational games on the market that are anything but boring. Knowledge Adventure produces JumpStart games for each grade level. They are PC video games that teach kids all about math, science and English through games that interest your kids. The characters in the game talk to them and help them with number problems that need to be solved along the way to win.

You can even play the games online at Knowledge Adventure website. For example the Math Man Game above which my daughter is currently playing. It is similar to Pac Man, but instead of eating all the ghost when you eat the special food, you are given a math question and only allowed to eat the ghost with the correct answer. See how it bring fun to learning. By the way, you can play Math Man online at this blog too, click here.

Kids are given the chance to learn about the world around them through educational video games. Kids get an opportunity to expand their understanding of animals, plants, science and more. An entirely new world will open up before them on the LCD screens.

Teaching kids about video games at an early age helps you to control what types of games they play. In the world of technology, kids grow up way to soon and often know more about technology than their parents. Starting early gets you involved and keep you involved in their lives.

Some people believe that playing video games is a mind-numbing process. All you do is sit and shoot, but not all games are like that and not all games are bad for you kids. Educational video games help to reinforce what is being taught at school. As kids master the games and get smarter their self-confidence will rise.

Don’t think of video games as the enemy. They can be used for educational purposes to give your kids a firm foundation in school. As they get older, you can introduce them to educational games for higher grade levels to keep the learning going as long as possible.

Once in a while, do let them play games like Rhythm Heaven or even Street Fighter. Don’t take out the fun out of their lives. Let them play, but be the one in control.