Commitment to Parents Program

The Commitment to Parents Program is a cooperative effort between ESAC, the Retail Council of Canada and the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). This industry-led, voluntary initiative helps parents ensure the games they buy for their children are appropriate for their households through a combination of education about the video game rating system and point-of-purchase controls. Participating retailers have agreed not to sell or rent "M"- rated (Mature) games to customers under the age of 17, or games rated "AO" (Adults Only) to customers under the age of 18. These retailers also display store signs which advise customers of their participation in the program and promote awareness and understanding of the ESRB rating system.

Former Minister of Consumer and Business Services Jim Watson, who attended the Toronto launch of the Commitment to Parents program, told the Ontario legislature, "This is a great example of a partnership where government and industry are working together to protect children and to inform parents."

The campaign includes public service announcements, point-of-purchase signage, store associate training and a Consumer On-line Hotline. The Commitment to Parents National Retailer Code can be viewed at www.retailcouncil.org .

For more information about the ratings for computer and video games, visit the ESRB at www.esrb.org.