Age ratings are designed to help users, especially parents, identify suitable and appropriate online content and platforms for their children. These ratings, which appear on everything from movies and games to social media apps, can serve as valuable guidelines.
However, navigating these ratings can be challenging due to inconsistencies and differences across platforms.
Here’s what you need to know about age ratings, their importance, and how to make informed decisions for your child’s digital experiences.
Why Age Ratings Matter:
Age ratings act as a first line of defence in guiding users toward content that is appropriate for different ages. They are applied across various media, including movies, TV shows, games, and social media platforms. The primary goal is to help you determine what content is suitable for your Tween or Teen based on their age and developmental stage. However, age ratings alone do not always provide a complete picture of what might be safe or appropriate. The nuances of online platforms can sometimes elude these broad classifications.
Why Age Ratings Differ:
One of the biggest challenges with age ratings is the lack of uniformity across different platforms and regions. Here’s why:
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Different Rating Systems: Various organisations use distinct systems to rate content. For example, the UK’s Apple App Store employs the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) system, while Xbox and Google Play Store use the Pan European Gaming Information (PEGI) system. This can result in different ratings for the same game or app. For instance, Minecraft might be rated 9+ on the App Store but 7+ on Google Play Store.
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Regional Variations: Age ratings can vary depending on where you are in the world. This is due to differing cultural norms, regulatory requirements, and perceptions of what is suitable for children. A game rated 7+ in one country might be rated 12+ in another, creating potential confusion for parents.
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Platform-Specific Policies: Online platforms often have their own policies regarding age restrictions. For example, Instagram and TikTok generally set their minimum age at 13, due to U.S. data protection laws. However, these platforms might receive different ratings on app stores, such as 12+ on the Apple App Store or ‘Parental Guidance Recommended’ on Google Play Store.
Deciphering PEGI Ratings:
The PEGI system, used in the UK and Europe, offers a standardised way of rating games. It includes:
- 3+: Suitable for all ages.
- 7+: May contain mild violence or scary scenes.
- 12+: May contain moderate violence, occasional bad language, or sexual content.
- 16+: More intense violence, strong language, or sexual content.
- 18+: Contains explicit content not suitable for minors.
While PEGI ratings are legally required, they serve as recommendations rather than strict regulations. For instance, a child under 18 cannot legally purchase an 18+ game, but there are no legal restrictions on playing it.
App Stores and Social Media Ratings:
Age ratings for social media apps and online platforms can be particularly perplexing. For example:
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Instagram and TikTok: Both generally set their minimum age at 13 due to U.S. laws, but the age ratings on app stores can differ. Apple’s App Store might rate them 12+, while Google Play Store uses ‘Parental Guidance Recommended.’
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Twitter, Discord, Twitch: These platforms are often rated 17+ due to content that may include mild sexual content or strong language, even though their community guidelines may allow users as young as 13.
Understanding Risks Beyond Age Ratings:
Age ratings provide a helpful starting point, but they don’t always address all potential risks associated with online content and platforms. Here are additional considerations:
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In-Game Purchases and Loot Boxes: Many games include in-game purchases or loot boxes, which can encourage children to spend real money. This can lead to gambling-like behaviour, especially if children are tempted to keep buying loot boxes to get desired items.
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Functionalities and Social Risks: Online platforms and games often evolve, and their functionalities may not always align with age ratings. For example, Roblox, rated 7+ by PEGI, includes features like chat forums, in-game trading, and user-generated content, which can present social risks for younger users.
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Media Literacy: Children’s ability to handle online content depends on their media literacy. They need to understand complex content, potential disinformation, influencer marketing, and the impact of social media on self-esteem and behaviour.
Making Informed Decisions:
When deciding if a game or platform is suitable for your child, consider these steps:
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Research the Content: Look beyond the age rating and explore the platform or game yourself. Understand its content, functionalities, and any associated risks.
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Talk to Other Parents: Share experiences and seek advice from other parents who may have similar concerns or experiences.
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Engage in Conversations: Have open discussions with your child about their online activities. Encourage them to share their experiences and feelings about the platforms they use.
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Monitor Usage: Regularly check your child’s online activities and set appropriate boundaries. Use parental controls and privacy settings to manage their digital interactions.
Age ratings are a useful guide for determining the suitability of online content and platforms for children, but they are not foolproof. Differences in rating systems, regional variations, and evolving functionalities mean that ratings alone may not fully address all potential risks. By understanding the limitations of age ratings, conducting thorough research, and engaging in open conversations with your child, you can make more informed decisions and ensure a safer online experience for your family.