Activision is launching a campaign to educate parents about the ESRB ratings system and how to make an informed decision when buying a game for their kids. This campaign, called “Ratings are not a Game”, is backed by Dr. Cheryl Olson, co-director of the Center for Mental Health and Media at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Activision has created a series of seven videos where Dr. Olson explains how parents can get involved in the different types of games played by their children. The videos also explain the different ratings of the ESRB and feature child psychologists that talk about the personal and social skills that children can develop by playing certain kinds of games. Engaging in multiplayer matches in certain games can help develop social skills and strategy games can help with problem solving skills. Also, some action games can help with coordination and motor skills.

These videos are a great idea as they help parents in having a better understanding of games and how they can even prove helpful in the right circumstances. By shining more light on the ratings system they help in discouraging the notion that games are evil and make parents realize that they are responsible for the content their kids are exposed to.

Video games are frequently blamed for introducing violence to young children but every game comes with a clear rating that highlights the contents of the game. Parents should pay attention to these ratings and decide if, as with movies or any other media, the game is appropriate for their children’s age.

Read [Reuters] Also read [Edge Online] Site [Activision]