Game Safety

1.	Choose games that let kids play each other at the same time.
2.	Set game time to a fixed amount like 30mins in a session.
3.	Let them play as a reward for finishing homework.
4.	Challenge them to a game once a week.
5.	Always check the game ratings when renting or buying video games.

	Office of Film & Literature Classification (OFLC)
	Interactive Entertainment Association of Australia (IEAA)
	Games Parents

Video Games Fact Sheet

Your quick fact guide to video games:

What is a video game?
A video game is an interactive entertainment experience. Video games can be played on a TV using a gaming console and a controller.

Xbox is a popular video games console enjoyed by millions of families across the world. This fact sheet has been put together by Xbox as part of its ongoing commitment to safe and fun video gaming.

The top 4 reasons parents play video games with their children*

Because they are asked to (69%)
It's a good opportunity to interact with their child (68%)
It's fun for the entire family (66%)
It's a good opportunity to monitor game content (56%)

What are the ages of video game players?*
35.0% under 18 years
43.0% 18-49 years
19.0% 50+ years
Source: Peter D. Hart Research Associates

How much family content is there?**
63% of all Xbox games sold in the 2004 financial year were rated G or PG
You should still take care to check the suitability and content of a game
(For more information on ratings please see game classification information in this fact sheet).
Source: OFLC

Parents and games*
92% of the time parents are present when games are purchased or rented
32% of parents play games with their children weekly
63% of parents believe games are a positive part of their children's lives
87% of the time children receive their parents' permission before purchasing or renting a game

(The above data reflects parents with children under 18 who also own a game console or computer used to play games).

Interesting facts*:
93% of game players report reading books or daily newspapers on a regular basis
62% of game players consistently attend cultural venues or events such as museums, concerts or the theatre
47% of most frequent gamers play computer and video games with friends.

How do I find a safe game for my family?**

Classifications:
Classifications are provided on every video game bought and sold in Australia, in the same format used for films. The rating can be seen on the front packaging of the video game.

Colour
Each classification is now coloured. G is green, PG is yellow, M is blue, MA 15+ is red. Games rated R 18+ and X 18+ are NOT available in Australia - MA15+ is the highest acceptable level.

The classification below is legally restricted

In Australia, games cannot be released, bought or sold if the rating exceeds MA 15+.

Consumer advice:
In most circumstances, when you see the classification, you will also see a white space next to it that contains some brief advice phrases, called consumer advice. This information is specific to the film or computer game that has been classified and is designed to further provide you with specific information about the content to assist you in your choice. Examples of consumer advice may be mild violence, moderate sex scenes, strong violence, frequent coarse language, etc.

Frequently asked questions:

Are computer games addictive?**
Whilst computer games are popular with children, gaming ranks low compared to more traditional leisure activities. More time is spent watching tv or reading than playing computer games. Research has shown that addictive involvement is very rare with computer games.

Do computer games impair family life and school performance?**
When computer games are first purchased in a household there tends to be a high degree of enthusiasm and greater use, but this has been shown to decrease in the following months. With few exceptions, the time spent by children playing video games is in balance with other activities that make up a healthy lifestyle.

Does computer game play promote aggression?**
There have been several studies in the area of video games promoting aggression amongst children, but there is no evidence to support this argument.

As with television and other entertainment mediums parents need to ensure their children are only playing video games suitable for their age.

What positive effects are there for video games?**
Studies have shown that playing video games can increase concentration levels, reaction times, spatial awareness and fine motor skills. There is also evidence that video games can promote self-esteem and provide beneficial relaxation and enjoyment for players.

Further information:
If you are still concerned about your child's safety whilst playing video games please visit the Office of Film and Literature Classification:
http://www.oflc.gov.au
(A detailed report on video games and the effects on young children can be found on this website)

You can also find more information about the Xbox console at: http://www.xbox.com.au or http://www.xbox.co.nz

Sources of information:
*The Entertainment Software Association 2005
**The Office of Film and Literature Classification, Australia 2005
***Microsoft Corporation 2005