How Many Children Play Mature Video Games?
The question of how many children engage with mature-rated video games is a complex one, with varying data points painting a somewhat alarming picture. While definitive numbers are hard to pin down due to the private nature of gaming habits, we can confidently state, based on various surveys and studies, that a significant portion of children and adolescents play games intended for older audiences. Approximately half of 12-14 year olds regularly play video games rated Mature (M) or Adults Only (AO), with a stronger prevalence among boys. This high engagement raises concerns about the potential impact of such content on young, developing minds. More precisely, approximately 48.8% of 12-14 year olds regularly play M-rated video games.
This statistic isn’t just a number; it represents a substantial group of young people exposed to content that may include intense violence, strong language, suggestive themes, and sometimes graphic sexual content. The implications of this exposure are a major topic of discussion among parents, educators, and child development experts. A deeper look at how the problem breaks down by age and gender reveals a more nuanced picture of the issue.
The Prevalence of Mature-Rated Gaming Among Children
Gender Disparities
The article highlights clear gender disparities in the numbers of children playing mature games. It notes that two-thirds of boys reported playing at least one M-rated game frequently in the past six months, compared to more than one in four girls. This disparity may be rooted in several factors, including marketing strategies that often target boys, gaming community norms, and different preferences in game genres. This also translates into who plays mature games frequently with 67.9% of boys compared to 29.2% of girls playing violent mature-rated games regularly. In addition, among those who play M and AO rated games, 79% are boys and 21% are girls. These differences underline that the issue is more pronounced for young males.
Age Doesn’t Seem to Matter
Surprisingly, the article indicates that 12 to 14 year-olds are equally likely to play M or AO rated games as their 15 to 17 year-old counterparts. This suggests that the issue of exposure isn’t just limited to older teens who might be closer to the recommended age for mature content. It indicates a broad pattern of younger children accessing mature games as often as teenagers. This poses a greater threat to young children who are not yet developmentally ready for the mature content. This trend further reinforces the need for increased parental awareness and potentially stronger retailer enforcement of age restrictions on game purchases.
Why are They Playing?
The article does not specify reasons why they are playing M rated games but it does note that 32% of gaming teens report at least one of their favorite games is rated Mature or Adults Only. Therefore, it can be inferred that children are playing the games because they are popular or highly rated among their peers, despite the mature rating.
The Impact and Concerns
The primary concern regarding children playing mature-rated games is the potential impact on their psychological and emotional development. While the article mentions that playing M-rated games is positively correlated, it does not go into further detail. This statement however suggests that playing these games may impact behaviors and habits. The article also discusses how some may be upset, harmed, or disturbed by this content because they are not yet developmentally ready to handle the concepts.
Parents’ Role
The article emphasizes the importance of parental involvement. While it recognizes that some parents are allowing their kids to play over 18s video games without supervision or knowledge of the game beforehand, there needs to be a greater emphasis on parents to actively monitor what their children are playing. The article also highlights that playing games with children is a good way to see what they’re doing and to have conversations with them about the content they are being exposed to.
The Legality and Retail Practices
The article makes it clear that it is not illegal for a child to play an M-rated game. It is only illegal to sell or supply PEGI 12, 16, or 18 rated games to someone under the age for which the game is rated for. While retailers like GameStop typically have policies in place to not sell M-rated games to minors (requiring proof of age), the reality is that these games can still find their way into younger hands through secondary sales, peer lending, or digital purchases using a parent’s account. While parents can be held liable for their children’s behavior, they cannot be arrested for allowing their child to play M-rated games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does “M” rating mean in video games?
“M” stands for Mature, and the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) uses this rating to indicate games that are suitable for ages 17 and older. These games may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content, and/or strong language.
2. What does “AO” rating mean in video games?
“AO” stands for Adults Only, and the ESRB uses this rating to denote games that are only suitable for individuals 18 years of age and older. These titles typically feature prolonged scenes of intense violence, graphic sexual content, and/or nudity.
3. Is it illegal for a child to play M-rated games?
No. While it’s illegal for retailers to sell M-rated games to those under 17, it’s not against the law for a child to play them. The primary responsibility for restricting access to mature content often falls on parents.
4. Can retailers refuse to sell M-rated games to minors?
Yes. Retailers such as GameStop have policies that require customers to show proof of age when purchasing M-rated games and will refuse to sell them to minors.
5. How do children get access to M-rated games?
Children can access M-rated games through various means, including: buying them using a parent’s account, borrowing from friends or family, acquiring second-hand copies, or purchasing them online with little to no verification processes.
6. What are the potential risks of children playing mature-rated games?
Potential risks include exposure to graphic violence, strong language, and sexual content, which can be psychologically disturbing and lead to desensitization. Experts suggest that such exposure may have a negative impact on the emotional development of children.
7. Should parents monitor their children’s gaming habits?
Yes, it is crucial for parents to be actively involved in their children’s gaming habits. This includes being aware of what games they play, monitoring their time spent gaming, and discussing any concerns they have about the content.
8. How can parents prevent their children from playing mature-rated games?
Parents can take steps to restrict their children’s access to mature games by setting parental controls on gaming consoles, regularly checking their children’s gaming libraries, and engaging in conversations about video game content and its suitability.
9. Is it normal for teenagers to want to play M-rated games?
While some teenagers will naturally be curious about M-rated games and may feel pressure from their peers to play them, this doesn’t make it developmentally sound or recommended. It remains essential to educate and guide teenagers about the mature nature of such games.
10. Does playing violent video games lead to violent behavior?
The relationship between playing violent video games and violent behavior is complex and the subject of ongoing research. While some studies suggest a correlation, it is not a direct cause-and-effect relationship. There can also be many other contributing factors.
11. What is a better alternative to M-rated games for children?
Many age-appropriate video games offer educational and fun experiences without the mature content. Parents should guide their children towards age-appropriate games, encouraging them to participate in other activities.
12. What is the rating system on video games?
Video games are rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The ratings system includes EC (Early Childhood), E (Everyone), E10+ (Everyone 10+), T (Teen), M (Mature), and AO (Adults Only). These ratings are designed to indicate the suitability of the game for different age groups.
13. Are there video games that Nintendo has made that are M-rated?
Yes. Nintendo published Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem, originally planned for the Nintendo 64 but later released on the GameCube. It was the first game published by Nintendo to receive an M rating.
14. Do parents often let their children play games rated for adults?
The article suggests that this is a problem with a UK survey stating that over half of parents let their children play video games rated for over 18s without supervision or knowledge of the game beforehand.
15. Is it harmful for children to play M-rated video games?
Exposure to M-rated video games can be harmful for children as the content is not designed for those under 17. Children can be disturbed, upset, or harmed by this content since they are not developmentally ready to be exposed to it. Parents are responsible for overseeing their children’s gaming habits to ensure their children play age-appropriate games.
In conclusion, while a significant number of children are playing mature video games, there are steps that parents can take to protect their children from inappropriate content. Through awareness, communication, and responsible gaming practices, it’s possible to ensure that children enjoy video games in a healthy and appropriate manner.