Microsoft is plainly trying very hard to turn the Xbox 360 into a family-friendly entertainment hub. Their success in this noble quest is an altogether different matter, especially while the Wii stalks the planet. Meantime they’ve just launched a new website that should be useful for parents worrying about their offspring playing the wrong sort of games. And, let’s face it, there are plenty of those out there...

Getgamesmart.com, as it is snappily titled, is more of a conduit to other useful resources rather than being a one-stop shop in itself. Nevertheless there’s plenty here to entertain and inform the concerned parent or guardian, such as information about interpreting game ratings, ask-the-expert tips, advice on setting up parental controls, chat forums, fun contests and suchlike.

"Getgamesmart is part of our effort to give parents the tools and information they need to help manage their children's media use," says Microsoft's Robbie Bach. "The campaign offers a variety of components designed to help parents and kids of all ages address media use and video gaming in their households."

It all feels rather cosy and reassuring, and a world away from the mature-rated reality of Microsoft’s own home console. Your kids will doubtless scarper to hide their copy of Grand Theft Auto IV when they see you exploring the site too. If you’re in any way concerned about what they’re playing, though, it’s a good enough place to start. Here endeth the public information message.