A Step-By-Step Guide to Setting Up Parental Controls for Video Games

As any parent knows, raising kids today has never been more challenging, particularly when it comes to the media our children consume.  But computer and video games are actually among the easiest of entertainment products for parents to control.  In addition to using ESRB ratings to help choose appropriate games, parents can take advantage of parental controls to make sure that their children are playing games they deem appropriate.

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to set up and utilize parental control settings on the latest generation of game consoles – Microsoft Xbox 360™, Wii™ from Nintendo, and Sony PLAYSTATION3® (and PSP®) – as well as in Windows Vista™ to ensure a fun, secure, and appropriate gaming experience for you and your family.

1. In the Xbox Dashboard, using the left stick or round pad on your controller, go to the “System” tab, then “Family Settings,” and press the green A button to access “Console Controls.”

2. Press the green A button again to select “Game Ratings.” Select the maximum ESRB rating level you deem appropriate for your children by pressing the green A button.

3. Go to “Set Pass Code” and press the green A button twice, at which point you must enter a 4-button pass code using the Xbox controller buttons. Select a question and answer in case you forget or want to reset your pass code.

4. Select “Done” on both the “Set Pass Code” and “Console Controls” screens to save your settings.

5. Select “Yes, Save Changes” to activate.

You can also use “Console Controls” to:

Other tips about Xbox LIVE:

Printable Instructions for Xbox 360 (PDF)More on Xbox Family Settings

1. From the main Wii Menu, using the cursor and the A Button on the Wii Remote controller, select “Wii Options” followed by “Wii Settings.” Click on the blue arrow to the right to reach the “Wii System Settings 2” menu options.

2. Choose “Parental Controls” and select “Yes.”

3. Create a 4-digit PIN and select “OK.” You will be prompted to select a secret question to be used if you forget the PIN number. Once done, select “OK.”

4. Select “Game Settings and PIN.” Now you can select the “Highest Game Rating Allowed” on the Wii console. Once selected, press “OK,” “Confirm,” and “Settings Complete.”

You can also use the “Other Settings” menu under “Parental Controls” to:

Other tips:

Printable Instructions for Wii from Nintendo (PDF)More on Wii Parental Controls

1. In the main menu, using the left stick or directional pad, go to “Settings,” then using the down stick or directional pad select “Security Settings.” Options for restricting games are listed under “Parental Control.” A number system indicates the relative level of restriction: the lower the number, the tighter the restrictions.

2. Each number below corresponds with an ESRB rating category:

2 – EC (Early Childhood 3+)
3 – E (Everyone 6+)
4 – E10+ (Everyone 10+)
5 – T (Teen 13+)
6 – M (Mature 17+)
10 – AO (Adults Only 18+)

3. To set parental controls for the Web browser, in “Security Settings,” select “Internet Browser Start Control.” Your options are “On” or “Off.” Selecting “On” will block access to the Internet.

4. The PLAYSTATION 3 and PSP parental controls are enforced by a four-digit password. The default password is 0000 (four zeros). It is recommended that you reset the password. In the Security Settings menu, select “Change Password.” Enter the default password, and then select a new password.

You can also use “Parental Control” to:

Tips about PLAYSTATION Network:

Printable Instructions for PLAYSTATION3 and PSP (PDF)
More on PLAYSTATION 3, PSP and PLAYSTATION Network

Note: Games featuring the “Games for Windows” branding are best able to take full advantage of Vista family settings.

1. Using your cursor, click on the Windows Vista “Start” button at the lower left corner of your desktop to open the “Start” menu.

2. Click on the “Instant Search” field and enter “par” to search for Parental Controls.

3. Click on “Parental Controls.”

4. In the “Settings” menu, click on “Create a new user account.” Click on the text field and enter a username.

5. Click “Create Account.” At this point, you will be given a variety of options to set controls for:

Other tips:

Printable Instructions for Microsoft Windows Vista (PDF)
More on Microsoft Vista Family Settings

For more information about choosing appropriate video games or to sign up for ESRB’s e-newsletter, visit www.esrb.org.