Parental Control of Games

PlayStation 3

• The PlayStation 3 (PS3) is the third generation of Sony's popular gaming console. Parents can turn on parental controls by accessing the settings from the central system menu. Changing the settings will lock all content that has not been authorized. The only way to access this content is to correctly enter a user-set password. Restricted content includes games, films and locally saved content. The PS3 even allows parents to lock or restrict Internet access.

X-Box 360

• The X-Box 360's parental controls are divided into three categories: console controls, online safety and privacy. Settings can be altered by accessing the Family Center from the X-box's central menu and setting a four-digit passcode. Parents can control what games and films can be watched, restrict Internet access and even set the number of hours each individual can play per week. Game controls are set according to each game's rating.

Wii

• Nintendo's popular console may be aimed at families, but it still has its share of adult-oriented games. By switching on the parental control features, parents can restrict access to unsuitable games unless a four-digit passcode is entered correctly. Parents can set only a single control level for every user, so it should be set at the highest suitable rating level. Accessing the Other Settings tab allows parents to restrict use of online features such as the news channel, Web browser and online store.

PCs

• Parents can control what games are played on Windows operating systems by creating a new account in the Control Panel menu. Parents can restrict the functions of this account and bar any gaming software from being downloaded or installed. However, this may be too restrictive for your tastes. Programs such as KidsWatch, Safe Eyes and CyberPatrol allow parents to restrict access to games and Internet use. Parents can set the number of hours each child can spend on the computer and online.