Parental Controls

In addition to clear age rating symbols and descriptor icons, all of today's next generation consoles (Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii) offer parental controls so that adults can stay in command of what games their children are playing and how long they play for. Even Windows Vista now includes parental controls.

We have put together a step-by-step guide to help parents take control.

Windows Vista

Windows Vista not only allows you to restrict access to games depending on age classifications but also by PEGI content descriptor.

To restrict access by age classifications:

  1. Click on the Windows Vista Start button at the bottom left corner of the screen.
  2. Click on the Instant Search field and enter "par" to search for Parental Controls.
  3. Click on Parental Controls.
  4. Select the user account for which you wish to set parental controls.
  5. Clink on, enforce current settings, then click OK.
  6. Under Windows Settings, click Games and then click on Set game ratings. Select the age rating you wish to apply. Users will be able to play games of this rating and below.

To select the types of game, as defined by PEGI descriptors, you wish your children to play: Repeat steps 1 - 6, then select the content you wish to block under the Block these types of content heading.

For further information on Windows Vista Parental Controls: windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Set-up-Parental-Controls

PlayStation 3

On the PlayStation 3 you can set security levels to restrict access to games depending on age ratings. DVD and Blu-ray movies can also be blocked completely.

To set security levels:

  1. To set games levels, from the main menu scroll across, using the left and right arrows to Settings and then down, using the up and down arrows to Security Settings. Press the X button to Select.
  2. Scroll down to Parental Control and press the X button.
  3. Enter your PIN Number then press the X button (The default PIN Number if you have not previously changed it is 0000).
  4. Select required Security Level by scrolling from Off to Levels 1 - 11. Press the X button to confirm.
  5. The following settings provide a guide corresponding with PEGI ratings:
    • 2 - PEGI 3+
    • 3 - PEGI 7+
    • 5 - PEGI 12+
    • 7 - PEGI 16+
    • 9 - PEGI 18+
  6. The PIN can be changed from the Security Settings menu.

For further information on PS3 Parental Controls: manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/settings/security.html#1106

There are also Parental Controls available on the PSP Console, for information on setting the PSP Parental Controls go to: manuals.playstation.net/document/en/psp/current/settings/parental.html

XBOX 360

The XBOX 360 allows you to restrict access to games depending on a game's age classification. You can also add a timer, restricting just how long each day or week your children can play.

To limit games played by age rating:

  1. From the main Menu scroll across the System tab on the right menu using the left and right arrow buttons.
  2. Scroll, using the left and right arrow buttons, to the second option on this tab, Family Settings and press the A button to Select.
  3. Scroll to Console Controls and press the A button.
  4. Enter your 4 digit pass code. (If you have not previously set a pass code you will need to set one on the Console Controls menu by selecting Set Pass Code).
  5. Scroll to Game Ratings and press the A button.
  6. Now scroll to the age rating you wish to apply and press the A button. Users will be able to play games up to but not over this rating.

To limit games played by time:

  1. Scroll to Family Timer, and on the Console Controls menu, press the A button.
  2. Use the up and down arrows to choose daily or weekly limits and press the A button.
  3. Then scroll to the time bar <45 Minutes> and use the left and right arrows to set usage limit in minutes.
  4. Scroll down to Continue and press the A button. Exit and save the settings by scrolling down to Done and press the A button. When you are asked if you wish to save the settings, scroll to Yes, save changes and press the A button.

For further information on Xbox 360 Parental Controls: support.xbox.com/en-gb/pages/xbox-live/how-to/parental-control.aspx

Wii

The Wii allows you to restrict access to games depending on age classifications. But this console also allows parents the chance to limit online communication with others.

To restrict games played by classification:

  1. Use the Wii Remote to move the cursor over the Wii button in the bottom-left corner of the screen and press the A button.
  2. Click on Wii Settings.
  3. Press the blue arrow to reach the Wii System Settings 2 menu options.
  4. Select Parental Controls and confirm.
  5. Enter your 4-digit PIN in the white box. (If you have not already set a PIN you will be prompted to do so now). Click OK. And again to confirm.
  6. Click on Game Settings and PIN.
  7. Now adjust the Highest Game Rating Allowed by clicking on this option. On the menu that appears next, use the blue arrows to scroll to the desired setting. Once you have made our selection, hit OK. Click Confirm and then, on the next screen, Settings Complete.

For further information on Wii Parental Controls: wiiportal.nintendo-europe.com/428.html

iOS (iPhone, iPod touch and iPad)

iOS for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad features settings which allow users to restrict use of individual apps, installation of new apps, in-app purchases, content and apps on age rating and Apple's Game Centre.

  1. Tap the Settings app (normally found on the first app page).
  2. Tap the General option then Restrictions.
  3. Here tap Enable Restrictions.
  4. This will ask you to 'Enter a Restriction Passcode', a four digit code, similar to a PIN.
  5. Consider the passcode you choose carefully and avoid anything that could be easily guessed by a child.
  6. Reenter the passcode to confirm.
  7. Here you can turn on or off with a tap the ability to: access individual apps, install or delete apps, make in-app purchases and restrict music and podcasts, films, TV programmes and apps by age rating.
  8. It is also possible to apply restrictions to Game Centre, Apple's multiplayer and social gaming hub, with switches for multiplayer and adding friends.
  9. When happy with the settings press the Home button to exit the Settings app.
  10. Restrictions are now applied to the device.

 

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