Children can sometimes access violent videogames

The company will provide information on how to use the integrated safety settings on its Xbox 360 console.

They will also help parents to understand more about the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) ratings.

The move reflects the growing concern surrounding the effects of inappropriate videogame content on children.

Safety settings

Microsoft's Xbox 360 contains password encrypted features that allow parents to restrict the content that their children can access.

The technology is based on the ESRB content ratings that are encoded into most Xbox videogames.

But the company is concerned parents may not know how to use the safety settings, so has launched an initiative in the US: Safety is no game. Is your family set?, entailing a nation-wide bus tour and advertising campaign.

Robbie Bach, president of the entertainment and devices division at Microsoft, said: "With success comes responsibility. We are unwavering in our commitment to address the genuine concerns of families on how to keep interactive entertainment safe and fun for our children."