Gaming | Game On.... Safely
Game On... Safely!
Know the Ratings
Before your child hits "play," check the game’s ESRB rating to make sure it’s right for their age.
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) provides age and content ratings to help
parents make informed decisions about the games their children play.
Look for labels like E (Everyone), T (Teen), and M (Mature) on game boxes or digital stores
Want to learn more? Visit the ESRB website for tips on ratings, parental controls, and safe gaming at esrb.org
The ESRB Ratings Guide helps families choose video games that are appropriate for their children by clearly labelling content and age recommendations.
Ratings appear on game packaging and digital storefronts and are a quick way to understand whether a game is suitable for your child.
ESRB Ratings Overview
| Rating | Meaning | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| EC (Early Childhood) | Content suitable for young children, usually ages 3+ | Ages 3–6 |
| E (Everyone) | Generally suitable for all ages; may contain mild cartoon/fantasy violence | Ages 6+ |
| E10+ (Everyone 10 and older) | May contain more cartoon/fantasy violence, mild language | Ages 10+ |
| T (Teen) | May include violence, suggestive themes, or infrequent strong language | Ages 13+ |
| M (Mature 17+) | Contains intense violence, blood, strong language, or sexual content | Ages 17+ |
Full guide: ESRB Ratings Guide
Age-Appropriate Games for Kids (Ages 6–12)
Here’s a list of fun, family-friendly games rated E or E10+ that are well-suited for kids aged 6–12:
Ages 6–9 (Rated E)
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Nintendo Switch) – Racing fun with colourful graphics and simple controls.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch) – Life simulation game full of creativity and calm play.
Minecraft (E10+ for Fantasy Violence) – Build, explore, and survive in a blocky open world (best in Creative Mode for younger kids).
LEGO video games (LEGO City Undercover, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes) – Adventure and puzzle-solving with humour.
Super Mario Odyssey – Platforming adventure in a variety of imaginative worlds.
Ages 10–12 (Rated E10+)
Sonic Frontiers – Action-platformer with exploration and fast-paced gameplay.
Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville – Humorous strategy and action.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy – Classic dragon platformer remastered.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet – Role-playing games focused on exploration, collecting, and strategy.
Splatoon 3 (E10+) – A colourful, team-based paint shooter that focuses on fun, not violence.
Keep Gaming Safe with Parental Controls
Did you know you can set limits on what games your child can play, how long they can play, and who they can talk to online?
Parental controls on consoles, computers, and mobile devices help you create a safe and age-appropriate gaming experience for your child.
Learn how to set them up here: esrb.org/tools-for-parents/