A while back, I participated on a podcast over at Electronic Gaming Monthly, and one of the podcasters was surprised to hear that ESRB ratings actually play a big part in determining what software and console games I will purchase for my children.

ESRB ratings are a fantastic tool to help determine what kind of content games include, and whether it is appropriate for your children. Unlike the motion picture rating system, the ESRB rating takes into account wide-ranging factors that may occur over the course of game-play, and provide reliable information to consider when purchasing games.

With the holidays coming up, many families will have a video game system under the tree and plenty of games on wish lists. But how comfortable are you with those purchases, if you aren't sure what your kids are being exposed to? What if you and your spouse, or your older teens favor intense, first-person shooter games, and you have little ones in the home who use the same gaming consoles? How do you keep the content separated?

It's simple, actually. Over at the ESRB's website, they have a new feature that walks you through the process of setting up parental controls on your game system. They also have a great library of ratings and information on all the games your family will be asking for. They even have great information about how to keep an eye on your children's Internet downloads and how to spot illegal hacks that are allowing your resourceful little buggers to make an end-run around parental controls.

From educational titles for the youngest users, to super-intense, totally immersing gaming experiences that will thrill even the most jaded gamer, ESRB takes an impartial look, and arms you with the knowledge you need to help make a good decision about software for your family.