|
Xbox Bus in town to help parents control game use |
|
|
|
|
Written by NexGen
|
|
Sunday, 18 March 2007 |
Practically everyone knows there are parental controls on new TV sets, but did you know they are also controls on your kids' X-Box gaming system?
Microsoft and Best Buy have teamed up for the “X-Box 360 Bus Tour” to educate and empower parents.
“What we found through focus groups and independent surveys is that a majority of parents want to be able to manage what their children are doing and have that control,” Kathryn McEwan from Microsoft told us.
The problem is that most parents don't realize how much power they have, which is the driving force behind the educational campaign.
The Twin Cities is the latest stop on the 20 city tour. Inside the high tech bus, parents get hands on experience with the Xbox 360 parental controls. With just a few clicks, a special family friendly menu appears. Age appropriate selections are then made according to the wishes of the parent.
As for kids who think they may be able to outsmart Mom or Dad, there's a surprise. “They are pretty well designed,” McEwan says, “If you forget the code you actually have to send the Xbox in to a service center so they can reset it. So, a kid just can't call in and say hello, I'm Mr. So and So and get the pass code.”
Rian Heimark escorted a group of fourth graders on board the bus while it was parked outside Saint Paul's Science Museum on Friday. “No, I guess I wasn't aware you could have that control rather than the kids.” Although familiar with video game ratings, Heimark say he didn't realize parental controls were already on the Xbox 360.
While most parents, including Rian Heimark are welcoming the idea, the controls are drawing mixed reviews from the kids they are designed to protect. “I don't like the idea because I like playing games all by myself,” 10-year-old Mason Przybilla remarked.
But another fourth grader, Maddie Vanata saw it differently. “I like it because little kids won't see violent stuff and have nightmares.” And that's the whole idea. When it comes to safe video gaming, safety is no game.
If you would like to check out the Xbox 360 bus, it will be at Best Buy in Eden Prairie on the morning of April 14. It will move to the Metrodome during the afternoon and will remain there for tours before the Twins game.
Source: http://www.kare11.com
>> Discuss This (-1 comments) |
