If your children were lucky, they got a new video game console for Christmas. You’ve probably spent some time playing games with them.
But how can you protect the kids from inappropriate games when you’re not around? It can be difficult to judge which games are appropriate for kids.
Fortunately, the new generation of game consoles can help you out. The Nintendo Wii and Microsoft Xbox 360 both include parental controls. So do Sony’s hand-held PlayStation Portable and console PlayStation 3. You can block games and movies you don’t want your children viewing.
Sony PlayStation 3: The PS3’s restrictions are enforced by a four-digit password. The default password is 0000 (four zeros).
Select Settings, then Security Settings. You’ll find options for both DVDs and Blu-Ray movies. Options for games are listed under Parental Control. A number system indicates the level of restriction.
The lower the number, the tighter the restrictions. You’ll need to experiment to find the right restriction level. Start at 1 and gradually increase the number if acceptable games or movies are blocked.
To set parental controls for the Web browser, select Internet Browser Start Control. Your options are limited to On or Off.Selecting On will block access to the brow-
ser. The default password is well known. If your kids don’t know it, their friends might. So once you’ve set the restrictions, change it.
In the Security Settings menu, select Change Password. Enter the default password, then select a new password.
Sony PlayStation Portable: The PSP’s menu system is similar to the PS3’s. Turn on the PSP and select Settings, then Security Settings. You’ll see the options for games and Universal Media Disc (UMD) videos.
Select Internet Browser Start Control to change the Web browser settings. Select On to block access to the built-in Web browser.
Again, you’ll want to change the password. Select Change Password. Enter the default password, 0000 (four zeros). Then set your own four-digit password.
Nintendo Wii: You can set restrictions on games and online features on the Wii. Just click the Wii button at the bottom of the screen. Then select Wii Settings and select Parental Controls.
The Wii’s Restrictions are based on Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) ratings. Select the highest rating with which you are comfortable. Full rating descriptions are on the ESRB website at esrb.org.
When you connect the Wii to the Internet, you’ll get additional options. The Wii features a Web browser and a basic e-mail service. You can disable the Web browser and put limits on e-mail.
Microsoft Xbox 360: To set parental controls in the Xbox 360, start the console without a disc. Then select System, Family Settings, Console Controls. Once you set restrictions, create a pass code. The option is listed under Console Controls as Set Pass Code. The code can be any four key combinations on the controller.
Kim Komando hosts the nation’s largest talk radio show about computers and the Internet.
