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 http://edutainingkids.com/
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This site is dedicated to providing parents with reviews and recommendations of "edutainment" products and activities for children. The kids' products selected for inclusion on Edutaining Kids are designed to entertain and to educate simultaneously, and include children's software, educational toys, books, audio, video games, and videos.
Divided into age groups and subjects, EdutainingKids.com's feature articles and reviews help make sense out of web sites, activities, and the latest products available to children and their parents.
Guides by Product Category:
- Software & Computer Games
- Videos & DVDs
- Books
- Toys
- Music & Audio
- Video Games
- Toddler Fun & Learning
- Preschooler Fun & Learning
- Kids Ages 5-8 Fun & Learning
- Kids Ages 9-up Fun & Learning
- Family Fun & Learning
- Software Guide
- Video & DVD Guide
- Book Guide
- Toy Guide
- Music Guide
- Video Game Guide
- Family Internet Guide
Entertainment Software Rating Board
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http://www.esrb.org/
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The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) is a self-regulatory body for the interactive entertainment software industry established in 1994 by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), formerly the Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA). ESRB independently applies and enforces ratings, advertising guidelines, and online privacy principles adopted by the computer and video game industry. The ESRB rates over 1,000 games per year.
To take full advantage of the ESRB rating system, it's important to check both the rating symbol (on the front of the game box) and the content descriptors (on the back of the game box). Here's an illustration of the two components:
Here are a few tips on what parents can do to put the control in their hands when it comes to which computer and video games their families play:
- Check the ratings. Use both the rating symbol and content descriptors to select the most appropriate game for your child and family. Use the ESRB website (www.esrb.org) before you head out to the stores.
- Carefully read and look at the package. Game content is described and depicted in detail on the back of virtually every game box.
- Talk to other parents and older children. This is a good way to learn about computer and video games.
- Consider your child's unique personality and abilities when selecting computer and video games.
- Play computer and video games with your children, watch what they are playing and talk with them about games as often as possible.
- Read more than the ratings. Game reviews and "demos" that allow you to sample games are broadly available online and in game enthusiast magazines.
Search for Game ratings
This search feature allows you can search for games based on age appropriateness and content preferences that are suitable for the game platforms you own.
http://www.esrb.org/esrbratings.asp
Parents' Choice Foundation
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http://www.parents-choice.org/
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Established in 1978, Parents' Choice Foundation is the nation's oldest not-for-profit evaluator of children's books, videos, toys, audios, computer software, television, and magazines. The Foundation's mission is to provide parents with information to participate wisely in their children's learning.
The Foundation strives to impart solid information about the vast array of children's media products and toys that are on the market, helping parents and caregivers of all achievements and backgrounds make informed decisions about which new products are right for their children. The Foundation's purpose is to search out and recommend products that help kids grow - imaginatively, physically, morally and mentally-fairly priced products that are fun, safe and socially sound.
Parents' Choice Foundation has no commercial ties, maintaining its twenty-five year tradition as an independent voice.