Researchers Kevin Haninger and Kimberly Thompson reviewed the labels of 396 mainstream teen-rated video games and watched a random sample of 81 games. Of the video games reviewed, the researchers found, for example, that just one percent of games that depicted tobacco or alcohol use noted such content on the label.

Ninety-four percent of games reviewed listed violence in their warning labels, however.

"The current voluntary rating system is not providing complete information to parents," said Kevin Haninger. "In many games there's content we think parents would care about."

Researchers cautioned parents to be more aware of the unexpected content in videos that could have a negative influence on their teenagers.

The study is published in the Feb. 18, 2004 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Haninger, K., & Thompson, K. (2004) Content and Ratings of Teen-Rated Video Games. Journal of the American Medical Association, 291(7): 856-865.

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