Ratings T he Video Game Rating Act of 1994 established a commission to promulgate a video game rating system unless the video game industry itself established a voluntary system within 1 year. At least two ratings systems were established in response to this legislation. Ratings are derived from manufacturers' responses to a complex questionnaire. Of course, rating systems are valuable only if they are used. Those parents with the youngest children were most aware of and most often used the ESRB rating system.
Recommendations M any parents attempt to manage their children's television-viewing habits.
Because research on the effects of playing electronic games is not definitive, further studies are necessary. Meanwhile, professionals can work to educate the public about rating systems, about issues related to violence and children's development, and about the importance of parental supervision of their children's media experiences. The rating controversy. Paper presented at the International Conference on Violence in the Media, St. John's University, New York. Children's perceptions of gender differences in social approval for playing electronic games.