Gaming consoles
Enable, install, and configure parental controls
We may sometimes tend to forget it, but games consoles are also connected to the internet.
PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, etc. All video game consoles now include a parental control feature. Using these tools on video game consoles gives parents a way to protect their children from inappropriate content, to promote a balanced and responsible use of video games, and to guarantee their online security. This helps to create a healthy play environment that is appropriate for the child's age.
What is the PEGI rating system?
The PEGI (Pan-European Game Information) age rating system was created to enable parents to make informed decisions when purchasing video games. Launched in 2003, PEGI is used in 38 European countries.
PEGI confirms that the game is appropriate for the player's age, based on the suitability of a game for a particular age group, not on its level of difficulty. The classification of a game confirms that it is suitable for players over a certain age. Consequently, a PEGI 7 game is only suitable for people aged seven and above, and a PEGI 18 game is only suitable for adults aged eighteen and above.
The age classification is distributed as follows:
Suitable for all audiences means that the video game is considered suitable for all age groups. This is because there is no violence and it is impossible for children to associate the characters with real-life characters or identify with them. They are completely imaginary. This is particularly the case when the characters in the game are animals or creatures that have been created from scratch. Furthermore, the game contains no nudity, makes no reference to sexuality, and contains no foul language.;
Recommended for the most 7 years old refers to video games that meet the criteria for general audience classification, with the difference that they may contain frightening sounds or scenes. Nudity is not prohibited, but it never refers to sexual acts; ;
Recommended for ages 12 and up is the classification given to video games that show certain scenes of violence, particularly against identifiable human characters or animals. There may also be scenes of nudity, but without sexual content. Similarly, while foul language is not prohibited, it must remain mild and not include sexual insults. ;
Recommended for ages 16 and over involves violence, as well as coarse language, and sometimes even tobacco or drugs. The game may also depict criminal activities. The level of violence, including sexual contact in this type of game, is considered to be equivalent to reality; ;
Recommended for ages 18 and over is the category reserved for the most violent video games that can lead to feelings of disgust.
In addition to the age-based recommendation, you will also see pictograms which explain why the game is not recommended for certain audiences and may refer to:
Rude language; ;
Discrimination; ;
Drugs; ;
Fear; ;
Games of chance; ;
Sex; ;
Violence; ;
The possibility of playing online.
The information provided by the PEGI labelling are important and give you an idea of what your child may or may not find in the video game in question. However, depending on the maturity and of the your child's sensitivity, You can refuse to allow your child to play a game even if, in theory, they are old enough. You are the sole judge of what is good for your child.
Please feel free to consult our detailed information sheets for each video game, or contact a 3018 helpline advisor who will be able to answer your questions.
Need assistance?
Bullying, cyberbullying, revenge porn, webcam blackmail, identity theft, gender-based and sexual violence, exposure to violent and pornographic content, etc., and all issues related to usage (video games, parental controls, account settings, overexposure to screens).
