To refuse ds (age 12) an 18 xbox game?

[AnnaK]

'All' his friends have it and he can't join in their online game parties and he feels left out. Surely the games are given an 18 rating for a reason? Also, dd is 10. I want her to see this even less. So, AIBU? Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege in case you are interested. Many thanks!

Yanbu, I won't allow 18 games at all for DS (12), I read up about the 15 rated games and allow some, but it's a definite no to 18.

I've been told that you can turn the 'blood' off, in these games. Is that the case?

In which case it can be turned back on again!

Yanbu. Also this undermines other rules and principles. Like Age limits for alcohol and cigarettes. Not the same but children extrapolate to think 'well, mum thought this game was ok even though the rule was 18+ so what's the difference?'

I've been told that you can turn the 'blood' off, in these games. Is that the case?

It's not about the actual blood though. It's the 'nastyness' of the violence and intensity of the games that makes them unsuitable.

DS13 has just started playing Rainbow Siege OP. I came from the viewpoint that definitely no 18 games at this age but after continually hearing how 'everyone else has 18 games', I agreed to do some research (common sense media website is useful) and eventually agreed a trial run on this particular game. I have reinforced that I will never allow GTA at home even if he is living here in his 30's!

It's a typical shoot them up game with very strategic, teamwork scenarios. He usually plays it online via XBox live and the main issue we've had with it is that my DS is time restricted on his Xbox whereas many of his friends seem not to be, thus he wants to be on it all the time as feels he is letting his friends down when we tell him his time is up. It's quite addictive in nature from this respect and I think this causes a younger child unnecessary 'pressure' iyswim. The game graphics/content is what I've seen DS watch in a 12/12A film to be honest. Hope that helps.

DP plays a lot of games and thinks this one isn't appropriate for a 13 year old.

I won't let DS play anything more than 2 years above his age. But I understand the peer pressure can't be nice.

YANBU at all. I've dealt with loads of kids his age who can't handle the content and certainly not the adults calling them obscenities online! Hang it out as long as you can, depending on your DS's maturity later on.

Thisrabbit I'd be genuinely interested to hear more about why your DP feels inappropriate. No family members/friends into gaming and on consulting a friends older DS(17), felt Rainbow Siege was probably a good option for my DS who was increasingly under pressure to have these type of games.

My DTSs have just turned 15 and got their first 16 game today. They got 15 games when they were 14. I have told them they can play 18 games when they leave home! I don't want to see it and I certainly don't want my 6 year old to either. They are only allowed to play 15/16 games when DS3 is in bed.

They hate me of course and I have told them to tell their mates that their Mum is a bitch to mitigate damage to their street cred but I will not relent. Same as age ratings on films, they are there to protect the child. Find it disgusting that primary school children are playing GTA.

I hate this and have the same issue with my 13 year old and Grand Theft Auto... it's absolutely banned in my house, I read that there's this whole bit in the game with a prostitute and that having sex with her specifically ejaculating got you extra life.. or what ever, shocking! I know that at least 3 of my sons friends do have it and play it . I struggle with the whole game thing, I have been at a friends house when her 11 year old has been playing online on his PS4 and talking to the other player over the headset and the other voice was a deep mans voice (it was a random person he'd connected with online to play the game), it just didn't feel right to me. Sorry I know that's a bit off the point, op.

I think if your child wants it to have them work for it. When I ever asked for a game IO ether made a poster, essay, and a pamphlet to convince I was forced to do my own research and prove that I know that I am mature enough and know I am ready for it.

We get a lot of “everyone has it” from my DSS who is in year six. Usually “Everyone” turns out to be “David H says his dad lets him play GTA” which is usually David H being a little liar. And the response is “well that’s up to their parents, we’re saying no.” Then there is two minutes of sulking and DSS is back on Minecraft insisting we look at the house he’s built. And then there’s a lot of “mmm lovely.” I think the two years thing is a good idea. We watch some 12 rated films if we think they’re okay, and in a couple of years will do the same with 15s.