The video game industry understands the challenges parents and caregivers face raising children in this digital age. For more than 25 years, the video game industry has worked to provide consumers—especially parents and caregivers—the most comprehensive information and tools they need to decide which gameplay experiences are appropriate for their children, even when parents are not in the room.

Parental Controls

Virtually all devices on which video games can be played—including consoles, smartphones, tablets and PCs—provide controls to manage gameplay. These controls allow parents and caregivers to:

Each of the major console makers—Nintendo, PlayStation and Xbox—provide mobile apps that parents and caregivers can use to remotely manage their children’s gameplay.

The Xbox Gaming Safety Toolkit
Open discussions, building mutual trust, and supervision are all crucial aspects of keeping children safe online. The Xbox Gaming Safety Toolkit gives parents and caregivers the resources to facilitate safe, accessible gaming for children of all ages.

Developed with the support and advice of of trusted bodies including eSafety, the Alannah & Madeline Foundation and Department of Home Affairs.

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  Australia

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  New Zealand

Classification

In Australia and New Zealand, it is a legal requirement that games display a classification marking or age rating to provide information and guidance to consumers about the age suitability of a game, which is particularly important for parents and caregivers. There is a diverse range of games available for a wide range of players. The classification ratings help guide the decision as to a game’s suitability for the particular player.

For information on Classification in Australia, including ratings for games, please visit https://www.classification.gov.au

For information on Classification in New Zealand, including ratings for games, please visit https://www.classificationoffice.govt.nz

Gaming Resource Hub

Te Mana Whakaatu, the Classification Office in New Zealand has created a Gaming Resource Hub for all things related to classification and video games in Aotearoa.

Included in the Hub are guides to help people understand international gaming classifications, plus information about in game mechanics such as loot boxes.

The Office have created blogs which offer advice on how to talk to children about certain games and games services, including but not limited to Minecraft, Roblox, Mario Kart, Fortnite, Discord and Twitch.  These blogs provide great advice and information for parents and carers regardless of where you reside.