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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not allow GTA

113 replies

panicovernow · 15/06/2017 21:14

My DS is 11, 12 in 3 months. He is most put out as neither my DH or I will allow him to have GTA for his Xbox. Many of his friends his age and younger have it and we're good friends with some of their parents who are similar to us in many ways but with this we differ. DS is a lovely sensible lad and I don't think it would change him in any way I just don't think it's appropriate. He however thinks we're being most unreasonable and he feels isolated from a group of friends who play it. I will add that we are not strict on everything being within age ratings (other games or films) but just check it out online first. So what I'm asking for is your opinions.
Thanks

OP posts:
ParadiseCity · 15/06/2017 21:41

I don't want to ever live under the same roof as someone who plays GTA. (Or buys the Sun or subscribes to Sky).

So I will never allow DC to have it regardless of their age and if DH bought it one of us would be leaving!

4yoniD · 15/06/2017 21:42

Bonus points for killing and robbing a prostitute after you shag her ... my (mid 30s) husband was a bit ShockConfused

Mamabear14 · 15/06/2017 21:43

I did a quick Google and I'm not sure about getting your money back but it says you can get 'serviced' and then beat her up and run her over. Which is delightful. Not something I want my 2 boys playing.

PacificDogwod · 15/06/2017 21:45

YANBU.

DS1(14) and DS2(13) know that GTA will never get over the threshold of this house, no matter what age they are.

PinkCrystal · 15/06/2017 21:59

Mine have it and I don't think it is as bad as made out. It's a great game, the only one I played! The freeplay is excellent. It is meant to be ironic. I do wish there were no strippers and no sexual scenes. But those are optional.

When my youngest plays I supervise and he just drives round in the cars or drives boats.

Even in the Lego games you can run people over. ..

Fruitcocktail6 · 15/06/2017 22:01

I LOVE reading opinions on GTA, from people who have never played it. It's hilarious.

Fwiw I have played it since I was about 11 (I don't think dmum really knew what it was), it's such a great game. Also, I'm not criminal yet!

Fruitcocktail6 · 15/06/2017 22:02

Like Crystal said, it's all satire and it's incredibly clever and funny. As a player you are not obliged to run over prostitutes to get your money back

misskelly · 15/06/2017 22:04

I'm having the same argument with my teenager but I've made it clear there is no way it is coming in to my house. I think there is enough misogynistic shite in this world. I'm not paying good money to bring it to my house and expose it to a child.

Shockers · 15/06/2017 22:08

I've never allowed it. DS's friends mums used to tell me that he'd asked to play a different game when he went to their houses too, because he knew I didn't want him to play it.

He's 17 now and rarely plays on his Xbox. He only ever played FIFA anyway!

troodiedoo · 15/06/2017 22:09

Bought it for my then 14 year old dd. It's so ridiculous you can't take it seriously. Did have to explain to her why anal sex costs more, which was awkward.

JigglyTuff · 15/06/2017 22:09

Nope, nope, nope. I won't allow the Daily Mail in this house so I certainly won't allow that.

AndNoneForGretchenWieners · 15/06/2017 22:12

I didn't allow it when DS begged for it with similar pleas - everyone else had it, he was left out etc etc. He was also put out and had the hump for ages because he didn't understand why I would allow war games and shooters but not GTA. When he reached 16 I told him I would let him have it then, but he wasn't interested by then. He is 17 now and still doesn't have it. For me it's the themes and language - I used to play the original versions myself but by GTA V it changed and became much more adult and inappropriate in content.

Mamabear14 · 15/06/2017 22:12

I have played it. Actually I really enjoyed it. I haven't played it since the vice city days mind. Still wouldn't let my 10 and 12yr olds play it. I think they will see enough on phones from their mates etc. I don't think they need it at home as well.

MyGirlDaisy · 15/06/2017 22:12

My boys are 19 &16 and I am pretty laid back about most things but GTA doesn't come through our door and they know that. I have no idea if they have played it elsewhere and if they have I hope they now realise why I have a problem with it!

Alittlepotofrosie · 15/06/2017 22:13

He's way way too young.

Isthisusernamefree · 15/06/2017 22:13

It may be meant to be 'ironic' and 'satire' but surely that's why it's an 18 (apart from the fact it's horribly violent and all the many other things wrong with the game) What 11/12 year old is going to get that?

If it was suitable for younger players it wouldn't be certified 18. I wouldn't let an 11 year old watch an 18 film so I really don't get why it's so widely acceptable for GTA to be played by children.

My DSS is 8 and apparently all his friends have it. It may seem like 'innocent' fun but stuff like that can have a lasting impact on children. Unsuitable video games and films have been the subject of debate in instances of violent crime committed by under 18's for years. I don't think you are BU at all. Exposure to adult themes like that at an age where a child lacks the capacity to truly understand them is never going to be a good thing.

autumnrained · 15/06/2017 22:13

It's not as bad as everyone (who hasn't played it is making out)

Iv watched DS and his friends have hours of fun on it and the prostitutes don't even bother them. They race, mod cars and play cops and robbers.

My son has played it for a long time and he's a very sensible young lad.

P.S I'm sure on the back of the game it says something about the 18 age rating only being a guide and it's down to the parents.

muckypup73 · 15/06/2017 22:14

Headteachers have a duty of care now to report children to socail services for playing older games xx

cheesychops · 15/06/2017 22:19

YANBU. He's 12!! It's an 18 for a reason. Definitely stick to your guns on this one. Cannot believe parents buy this for their children! It's totally irresponsible.

GoodGirlGoneWrong · 15/06/2017 22:23

Meh - I'm a bit blasé about GTA. I think people make a lot of fuss over nothing. There are worse games out and people never mention them.

Played by myself and DH several times (just not our game we like zombie ones) didn't make either of us criminals.

clarinsgirl · 15/06/2017 22:24

YANBU. I have the same issue- my 12 year old thinks I'm the worst mum in the world for not allowing it. It's an 18 for a reason. For those saying that they don't see the issue - watch some YouTube clips of game play.

KidLorneRoll · 15/06/2017 22:24

It is an 18 for a reason, but it's also satirical with it's tongue very much in cheek. Some/most of the hysteria about it is completely unwarranted. It can be quite a relaxing driving around town simulator, entirely child safe if properly supervised.

MaisyPops · 15/06/2017 22:29

It's 'satirical' ?! For real?!

More like "let's make this game because it will make us lots of money by being edgy. The more shocking an inappropriate we make it, the more adults will be shocked and the more children will want to buy it.".

But hey, satire about murdering people and sexually assaulting women is hilarious.

Tikkatoride · 15/06/2017 22:39

I'm a gamer and I am aware of the content and I will absolutely not allow my kids to play it. It is not suitable for children, end of. Cry "irony" all you like. The content and messages it sends are absolutely not appropriate for younger teens who are easily influenced by this kind of thing. It's not about "being mean" it's about not promoting a casual attitude towards violence and the mistreatment of women. Minimising violence, rape, prostitution, extortion and murder is never a good thing in my opinion.

tiptopteepe · 15/06/2017 22:40

Its incredibly misogynistic and violent. I would worry that at that young that type of attitude would sink in a little even if your chilld was sensible and intelligent. I mean im a very liberal person and id let my son watch films and tv that was aimed at above his age group but i do think that films tv and music have some emotional context.... GTA has no emotional context, its literally just a type of porn isnt it? Its just mindless entertainment based on thieving, violence and objectifying women.... no context at all!!

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