Hello, Centerville Families:

I wanted to alert you to a valuable information source for all parents of kids that play online.  The PTA has partnered with the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) to produce “A Parent's Guide to Video Games: Parental Controls and Online Safety”, a guide full of the information that parents need to know about video games.  Copies of the English- and Spanish-language versions of the guide can be downloaded from www.pta.org/mediasafety. This program is presented by ESRB and PTA.

The PTA is also presenting a Webcast Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 7:00 pm. You need to register for the webcast, as there is a limit to how many participants can attend.  Register today at:http://www.visualwebcaster.com/event.asp?id=47485

The following is excerpted from the National PTA website:

Video games can be a great source of entertainment and learning for the whole family.  But, with the ever-changing world of online gaming, how can a parent keep up?  How do you translate game ratings?  How do parental controls work?  What tools can you use as a parent to ensure safe online gaming for your child?  Join our free live webcast featuring PTA National President Jan Harp Domene, ESRB President Patricia Vance, and Andrew S. Bub from GamerDad.com as they discuss online video game safety.
 

TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:

*           An inside look at the ESRB rating system

*           An expert-guided tour on setting up parental controls

*           Expert advice on managing online game time with your children

*           Tips for online video game safety

*           An interactive Q & A session

I would be interested in feedback from parents that join the webcast.  Please send any comments or concerns to centervillepta@xxxxxxxxxxx.

Thank you,
Barbara Stone
CES PTA