It's important to know 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. Most games sold in North America are rated using this system.

ESRB ratings have three parts: rating symbols suggest age appropriateness for the game, content descriptors to indicate elements in a game that may have triggered a particular rating and/or may be of interest or concern, and more detailed rating summaries that are available through the ESRB Web site. To take full advantage of the ESRB rating system, it's important to check the rating symbol (on the front of the game box) and the content descriptors (on the back of the game box); parents are also encouraged to read the rating summaries for the game.

As well as the rating system, the ESRB's Advertising Review Council (ARC) has developed a list of Principles and Guidelines to ensure responsible advertising practices by the video-game industry. ARC is also responsible for responding to concerns or complaints raised by consumers regarding the marketing of video games. Parents can also sign up for a bi-weekly list of new titles, including ratings and content summaries, in the ESRB's newsletter ParenTools.

Below you'll find the ratings and what they mean. For the most up to date list of content descriptors and definitions visit the ESRB Web site at: www.esrb.org