Should I Let My 12 Year Old Play Grand Auto Theft?

[ClaryS]

So far my foot has been firmly down, an 18 rated game based on stealing cars and robbing banks , no thanks. Apparently 'all' his friends are playing on line even L whose mum is a vicar and I am being totally unreasonable ( in a 'Kevin' tone of voice). Is it that bad? should I succumb? Or should I stand by my old fashioned principles that an 18 rated game or movie is not suitable for a 12 year old?

[daffy654]

I wouldn't allow it and i'm pretty easy going on these issues with my son.

[sherrardk]

My (only just) 13 year old plays it - he knows it is just a game. He has a number of 18+ games but my husband is the one who says yes or no to them as I have no idea what any of them are on about.

[anneasquith]

surely its a 18 for a reason ?

[DJHawkes]

my 14 year old grandson loves it, it's been 5 years since the last one and he's played all 4 earlier ones over the last few years. I don't approve but I'm not in charge. He loved Red Dead Redemption too.

[ClaryS]

This is the problem sherradk I have no idea what they are actually about. I've let him have a couple of games that are 15 and they are horrible, blowing up aliens, but apparently that doesn't count as they are 'only aliens'. His group of friends all go on line and play these games together so he is going to be left out and I know all of his friends parents and they are pretty sensible. OH says its no worse than what they played in the school playground but he's totally computer illiterate and a bit naïve....

[ClaryS]

anneasquith, those are my sentiments exactly but things are rated 18 for a variety of reasons and I was hoping someone would tell me why its rated 18.

[sherrardk]

My husband drew the line at something (can't remember which) so he does say no. He/we are not push overs and he definitely wouldn't let the boy play something outrageous. Boy #1 is bright and mature and is able to deal with the fact that it is just a game, but each to his own.

[DJHawkes]

because they kill lots of people and also there is torture in this one too.

[anneasquith]

you could always watch it yourself first,

[ClaryS]

DJhawkes , Thankyou, For Funks Sake I don't know what the world is coming to finding enjoyment in those sort of games. The worst we (I) did as kids was cut barbies hair off and put her in bed with ken or action man lol!

[sherrardk]

I've just asked the boy - you go round robbing banks and shooting people (should think its very graphic) and there is swearing too.

[DJHawkes]

you can't really watch it you'd need to either play it, watch someone else play it or read the reviews maybe.

[DJHawkes]

it's the torture element that recieved the objections though

[ClaryS]

anneasquith, I think I would have to buy it to watch it unless there are previews on line. I'll probably try and have a look but a game based on murder and torture are not acceptable to me at any age.

[DJHawkes]

.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvgnPWukGs8

[DJHawkes]

.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QViHA7zEnsE

[Prudie]

My OH has played it and he said he wouldn't let a 12 year old. It's got very graphic violence - shooting people's arms off etc with blood spattering about.

[ClaryS]

DJHawkes thank you for the link (shudder). Apparently the sound of the game brought clary junior into the dining room where I am, and I'm now told that he wouldn't play the 'campaign' only the on line game where they mainly race stolen cars and rob a few grocery stores ( oh well that's ok then isn't it)? Anyone know anything about the online game?

[DJHawkes]

the language is really really really sweary too. lol

[DJHawkes]

he'll be playing other players that could be any age.