Survey shows that 80 per cent of parents follow age ratings on videogames.

Activision have been conducting a survey regarding age ratings awarded by the ESRB.

The survey has shown that 84 per cent of parents are aware that the system exists, whilst 65 per cent of children between 8-17 know that the system is there.

As a result of this survey, Activision has also found that 79 per cent paid close attention to the system, and that figure even reached 89 of parents with children between the ages of 8 and 12.

"We were delighted to to learn that parents and their children are very familiar with the ESRB ratings system, but it was even more gratifying to see such a large majority of parents are aware of, researching and active in their children's videogame purchasing and playing," said Robin Kaminsky, EVP of publishing for Activision.

68 per cent of parents revealed that they believe that the ESRB is effective in determining whether or not a particular videogame is suitable for their child, whilst 52 per cent stated that they actively research all videogames before approving purchase for their children.

"Videogame ratings can only be effective if consumers understand the ratings and use them when making purchasing decisions for their families, and this study shows that parents greatly rely on and value the ESRB ratings in helping them decide which games to allow their children to play," said Patricia Vance, president of the ESRB.

The study also revealed that 74 per cent of parents view videogames as part of their family's life and that they are comfortable with this, with 58 per cent of the adults surveyed admitting they play games themselves.