The PEGI ratings are the mandatory way all UK video-games helpfully disclose this information for consumers. Each publisher completes a questionnaire and submits game footage to the Games Rating Authority about its game then determines the age rating it gets.all offer a traffic light system of age ratings. Games suitable for over 3s and over 7s are flagged with a green age icon on the box. Games only suitable for those over 12 or 16 are flagged with an orange age icon, and games only suitable for the over 18s have a red age badge.

There are several websites that can help us all find out more about appropriate games and how to keep out children safe online. One that you might want to look at is -

https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/online-gaming-advice/online-gaming-the-risks/#advice

There is a video for parents with 0-5 year olds, 6-10 year olds and 11-13 year olds. These are extremely useful and provide guidance about setting up parental controls, time limits etc

 https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/0-5/

https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/6-10/

https://www.internetmatters.org/advice/11-13/

 

Popular Game Ratings

Fortnite - PEGI 12 for frequent scenes of mild violence. It is not suitable for persons under 12 years of age.

In addition, Fortnite involves lots of communication with other players online. This comes with its own range of issues about sharing information and keeping children safe online.

Granny – PEGI 12 for frequent scenes of violence. It is not suitable for persons under 12 years of age.

This game involves a corpse-like granny who chases you around the house with a blood covered bat. Cannibalism is implied, with pools of blood and a hunk of hanging raw meat. This is not suitable for your children.

Slender Man - PEGI 12 for frequent scenes of mild violence. It is not suitable for persons under 12 years of age.

This game is based on the suspenseful imagery of the faceless Slender Man who appears across many stories. Some stories feature him stalking, abducting or traumatising young children. Most game versions involve him driving you insane the closer you get. 

Grand Theft Auto –PEGI 18 for extreme violence; multiple, motiveless killing; violence towards defenceless people; and strong language, scenes of torture, sexual activity and illegal drug use. It is not suitable for persons under 18 years of age to play or watch others playing.

Call of Duty – PEGI 18, for extreme violence, multiple motiveless killing and strong language including sexual expletives and depictions of battlefield injuries including decapitation, dismemberment and mutilation.

Some of these games above appear as “pop-ups” whilst your children are using technology in your homes. Pop-ups usually come when you download the free apps, it is important that you supervise your children when they are on their tablets or phones.

Recently, many of your children tell us that they are playing these games, quite often without your knowledge. Access, to these and similar “games” whether this be playing them personally or watching adults at home play them can seriously affect your child. Children who have access to such content can develop mental health issues, develop behavioural difficulties, struggle with sleeping and concentration.