As every mom knows, raising kids today has never been more challenging, particularly when it comes to the media our tech-savvy children consume.  But computer and video games are actually among the easiest of entertainment products for parents to control.  In addition to using existing ESRB ratings to choose appropriate games, parents can take advantage of parental controls set up by major game manufactuers 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, Nintendo Wii, and Sony PlayStation 3 - and in Windows Vista to ensure a fun, secure, and appropriate gaming experience for you and your family.

Microsoft Xbox 360

1. Using the Xbox 360 controller, select "Family Settings, Console Controls."

2. Select "Game Ratings."

3. Select the maximum ESRB rating category you deem appropriate
for your children.

4. Select "Set Pass Code" and insert a password.

5. Select "Done" from the Console Controls screen to lock settings.

6. Select "Yes" to activate.

More on Xbox Family Settings

Microsoft Windows Vista

1. Click on the Windows Vista "Start" button at the lower left to open the "Start" menu.

2. Click on the "Instant Search" field to enter "par" to search for Parental Controls.

3. Click "Parental Controls" to open the settings.

4. Click "Create a new user account."

5. Click the test field to enter a username.

6. Click "Create Account."

At this point, parents will be given choices to control a variety of content and times including:

  • Web Content - blocking access to internet content
  • Computer Games - restricted by ESRB rating
  • Time Limits - when and how long the computer can be used

Finally, parents can also review activity reports to monitor what their children are seeing and doing, and to refine the use of parental controls. This is accomplished by viewing the "Activity Viewer" in the "User Controls" section of parental controls.

More on Microsoft Vista Family Settings

Nintendo Wii

1. Access the Wii System Settings.

2. Click on the blue arrow to reach the Wii System Settings 2 menu options.

3. Choose "Parental Controls" and select "Yes."

4. Enter the 4-digit PIN and select "OK."  If you have forgotten the PIN, select "I forgot" to answer the secret question.  

5. Now you can adjust the "Highest Game Rating allowed" to be played on the Wii console.

More on Nintendo Wii Parental Controls

Sony PLAYSTATION

1. The PLAYSTATION®3 parental controls are enforced by a four-digit password. The default password is 0000 (four zeros).

2. Select “Settings,” then “Security Settings.” Options for games are listed under Parental Control. A number system indicates the relative level of restriction. The lower the number, the tighter the restrictions.

3. You’ll need to experiment to find the right restriction level. Start at 1 and gradually increase the number if you find that acceptable games are being blocked. Again, the lower the number, the more restrictive the setting.

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

NOTE: The default password (0000) is well known. If your kids don’t know it, their friends might. So, once you’ve set the restrictions, 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. 

User Manuals for Sony PS3 and PSP