Game consoles are just computers meant to do one thing well play games. Nowadays these game consoles may have Wifi capabilities built right in.This allows them to go on the internet just like a computer and surf the net, they can also be used to interactively connect with other users of the same game they are playing and play against one or more people. This can be fun and entertaining but this type of networking is no monitored or filtered in any way. Your child could be interacting with a 40 year old from across the country. That 40 year old may be cursing up a storm or trying to convince your child to run away from home and join them wherever they are.
If you have a wireless network in your house and don't want these systems going online learn how to secure your wireless network by clicking here.
We have provided info on how to enable the built in Parental controls of the game consoles that offer it.
Game Consoles that are internet ready and that have parental controls built in.
Microsoft Xbox and Xbox 360 (has wired network but not wireless out of the box) Parental Controls Link
Sony PS2 (no out of the box network adapter can be added)
These parental controls also control what types of games they can play and DVD's that can be watched. Check out this link to the Entertainment Software Rating Board or ESRB
This video explains in more detail the ESRB ratings and there uses.
More coming soon.
PS3 and PSP Parental Controls
The Playstation 3 has many great games. Unfortunately, the majority of those games are violent, bloody, and utterly inappropriate for children. Fortunately, the PS3 has a parental control system that lets you make certain your kids can play Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga and Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, but won't be able to load the ultraviolent Ninja Gaiden Sigma or The Darkness. The Playstation Portable contains a similar control system, so this handy guide can help you watch what your children are playing, both at home and on the go.
Please note: Unlike the Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii, the PS3 and PSP don't use the Entertainment Software Ratings Board's rating system. Instead they use a series of numbered levels ranging from 1 for only the most acceptable titles to 11 for almost all games. Level 5 approximately corresponds with T-rated games, though parents should experiment with the different levels to determine which level is most appropriate for their family.
Step 1: Start your PS3 and enter the main menu.
Step 2: Scroll left and enter the "Settings" menu.
Step 3: Scroll down and enter the "Security Settings" menu.
Step 4: Scroll down and select "Parental Control."
Step 5: Enter the PS3 password to access parental controls. By default, the PS3 password is "0000."
Step 5: Enter the preferred parental control level you would like to use. To only play T-rated games and below, use level 5 or above. To only play E or E10 games, use lower levels.
Step 6: Back in the "Security Settings" menu, scroll up and select "Change Password."
Step 7: Enter the system's password (default "0000").
Step 8: Enter a new password. Use a 4-digit number that you will remember, but that your children won't be able to guess.
Step 9: Enter the new password again to confirm it.
Step 9: Select "Yes" to confirm the password change. Your PS3 will now only play games at your preferred parental control level. To play a higher-rated title, you must enter your password.
Using the parental control settings
The PS3™ system includes parental control settings that restrict the playing of content with parental control restrictions (such as game or video content) or the use of the Internet. You can adjust these settings so that content intended for mature audiences cannot be viewed by children.
Although the restriction method and the setting method may vary depending on the type of content, all such content is restricted by one password. * A password is required when adjusting parental control settings or when using content with parental control restrictions.
* Does not include content from PlayStation®Network.
Setting a password
1.
Select (Security Settings) under (Settings) in the home menu.
2.
Select [Change Password]. Follow the on-screen instructions to set the password. The password is set to [0000] by default at the time of purchase.
Content that can be restricted
Content
Restriction scheme
Method of setting restriction
Games
By setting a parental control level on a PS3™ system, you can restrict playback of games that exceed the set level.
You can set this option in [Parental Control] under (Settings) > (Security Settings).
DVDs
By setting a parental control level on a PS3™ system, you can restrict playback of DVDs that exceed the set level.
You can use a Web filtering service to check the type and appropriateness of Web sites and automatically block the display of inappropriate Web sites when using the Internet. Fees may apply to use of this service.
You can set to use this type of service in (Internet Browser) under (Network). *1*2
PlayStation®Network *3
By holding a master account, a parent or guardian can restrict voice / video chat usage or the monthly spending limit for the wallet that can be used on PlayStation®Network by sub accounts (accounts that can be used by minors).
You can set these restrictions by logging in to the PS3™ system using the master account, selecting (PlayStation®Network) > (Account Management), and then using [Manage Sub Accounts] from the PlayStation®Network page. *4
*1
The types of services that can be used vary depending on the country or region.
*2
The setting method varies depending on the service. For details, visit the Web site for the service provider. The Web site is specified under (Bookmarks) in the (Internet Browser) menu.
*3
PlayStation®Network and (PlayStation®Store) are only available in certain countries/regions and languages.
Manage Family Settings for Xbox 360 games, DVDs, and Xbox LIVE
Published: October 26, 2006 | Updated: December 11, 2007
Family Settings are parental controls in the Xbox and Xbox 360 game systems that you can use to manage:
•
The types of games your children can play.
•
DVD movies your children can watch.
•
Interactions your children can have with others using Xbox LIVE.
You can configure Family Settings for each child individually, or as a group for everyone who uses your Xbox 360.
Note: Each child should have his or her own Xbox profile.
Configure Family Settings
You can configure or change Family Settings in the System Blade.
Before you can configure Family Settings, you must set a pass code.
1.
Click Set Pass Code on the Console Controls screen and follow the instructions to set the pass code.
2.
After you've set the pass code, select Done.
3.
When prompted, select Yes, Save Changes to save your new settings.
4.
Click Family Settings, and then click Console Controls to configure settings for Xbox 360.
5.
On the Console Controls screen you can grant or restrict access to:
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Games and DVD movies based on game or movie ratings.
•
Xbox LIVE.
Choose offline gaming preferences
1.
Choose Game Ratings from the Console Controls screen. The default setting is Allow All Games.
2.
Select the rating you prefer for the games that your family will play.
The Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) provides the game ratings, which range from "EC" for Early Childhood to "M" for Mature. Xbox 360 reads the ESRB rating on each game disc, and only allows access to games with the ratings you have selected.
Choose offline video preferences
1.
To set Xbox 360 to play movies and television based on video ratings, click Video Ratings on the Console Controls panel.
Video ratings control the level of DVDs and downloaded movies that your family can play on your console. Xbox only plays movies with the selected rating level or lower. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) provides the video ratings.
Xbox LIVE extends your children's gaming experience from Xbox 360 to the Web. You must have a high-speed Internet connection and a valid Xbox LIVE membership to play on Xbox LIVE.
Allow or block access to Xbox LIVE on your Xbox 360 console
1.
In Console Controls, click Access to Xbox LIVE.
2.
Click Allowed or Blocked.
If access is blocked, users cannot connect to Xbox LIVE to play, communicate, or download content.
Allow or block the creation of new Xbox LIVE memberships from your Xbox 360 console
1.
Click Xbox LIVE Membership Creation.
2.
Click Allowed or Blocked.
Hide or show restricted content in Xbox LIVE Marketplace
1.
Click Xbox LIVE Marketplace Content.
2.
Do one of the following:
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Click Hide Restricted Content to hide content that exceeds your Family Safety settings.
•
Click Show All Content to display content that exceeds your Family Safety settings.
Note: If you choose Show All Content, family members can see that restricted content is available, but they will not be able to purchase the content. To purchase the content, you must enter your pass code.
For more detailed information about using Family Settings in Xbox 360, please visit www.xbox.com/familysettings.
Xbox 360 Family Timer
To set the Family Timer:
Click on "Family Timer" in the Family Settings menu.
When setting the Timer, you have three options: "Daily," "Weekly," or "Off."
If you select "Daily," you can choose how long you want the gamer to have access in 15-minute increments.
If you select "Weekly," you set access in one-hour increments.
When the Family Timer is set, the gamer will receive warnings before the session expires to allow them to save their progress in the game they are playing.
When the Timer expires, a pop-up will alert the gamer that the session is ending and will offer three options: "Add More Time," "Suspend Timer," or "Shut Down Console." In order to select the "Add More Time" and "Suspend Timer" functions, the gamer will be required to enter the pass code.
Since the Family Timer is set per console and not per gamer, anyone using the console will count against the time limit. By simply using your pass code, you can suspend the Family Timer or add more time without affecting the settings.
WII Parental Controls
How to set the parental controls on the WII
The Wii Parental Control settings offer you a means to manage what Wii content is accessible to the console users. If you apply Parental Controls, you will be prompted to set a 4-digit PIN which will allow you to adjust the Parental Controls settings in the future and also allow you to access content that may be restricted by the Parental Controls settings. The Parental Controls default setting is "OFF" which means that the console will allow all content unless you change the settings. There is one Parental Controls setting per console, so it is recommended that you put the settings on the most secure that you need for your family; you can then share the PIN with users who may be allowed access to blocked content.
Click on the blue arrow to reach the Wii System Settings 2 menu options.
Choose "Parental Controls" and select "Yes."
Enter the 4-digit PIN and select OK. If you have forgotten the PIN, select " I forgot" to answer the secret question. (Answers to the secret question are case sensitive.) You will now be in the Parental Controls menu, and can change the following items:
Game Settings and PIN
You can adjust the "Highest Game Rating Allowed" to be played on the Wii console. This setting is based on the Entertainment Software Rating Board ("ESRB") game rating categories. Please note that Parental Controls settings do not affect Nintendo GameCube Game Discs.
For more information on the ESRB and its ratings, click here.
"Other Settings"
If your Wii console is also connected to the internet, you have the ability to place limits on the following online features, found in the "Other Settings":
Internet Channel If you have downloaded the Opera browser (subject to availability) via the Wii Shop Channel, it is possible to allow or restrict use of the browser.
News Channel Control access to the News Channel.
Online Communication and User Created Content Controls sending and receiving of messages from the Wii console and in online games where open communication is available, as well as controls the exchange of user created content in compatible games and channels (Wii Message Board, Check Mii Out Channel, etc.). Note that system updates will be delivered regardless of this setting.
Use of Points This setting controls the use of Wii Points, which are used to acquire downloads from the Wii Shop Channel. If this setting is on, users will be required to enter the 4-digit PIN in order to use Wii Points to download items from the Wii Shop Channel.
Confirm the setting is as desired by clicking the "confirm" button on the bottom right corner.
If Parental Controls are applied and a user attempts to play or download content that exceeds the Parental Controls setting, the user will be prompted to enter the Parental Controls PIN to temporarily disable the Parental Controls. The PIN will be necessary each time a user tries to access restricted content. If your settings only apply to certain members of your household, share the Parental Controls PIN with users who may have unrestricted use of the system.
You will be prompted to select and answer a secret question that will allow you to retrieve a forgotten Parental Controls PIN. If you forget your PIN, please follow the prompts on screen to answer your secret question. If you are unable to retrieve your PIN by answering your secret question, please call Nintendo Consumer Service: 1-800-255-3700.
(Security Settings) under 
(Settings) in the home menu.
(Internet Browser) under 
(Network). 
(PlayStation®Network) > 
(Account Management), and then using [Manage Sub Accounts] from the PlayStation®Network page. 
(Bookmarks) in the 
(PlayStation®Store) are only available in certain countries/regions and languages.
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