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Original poster

What age for grand theft auto on PlayStation

55 replies

Cokezeroandlime · 03/01/2025 16:33

Hi,

I am looking for advice from others, specifically those with kids, as to what age you allowed your DCs to play GTA (rated 18)?

We have said no to our ds aged 11 (year 7) but currently his whole friend group are playing it online and therefore he is feeling left out as he can’t join in.

We did allow Fortnite early (age 8 ish) , during lockdown, in a similar situation to allow interaction with friends but it gets on my nerves a bit that one parent allows it, then all the others do, and then it makes life awkward for everyone else.

OP posts:
weaselwords · 03/01/2025 16:35

I’m really slack with video games…apart from GTA because of the potential for violence against women. I think when they leave home is early enough.

Ooral · 03/01/2025 16:36

Has to be in the region of 16, it's got too much in it that you don't want him exposed too.

To clarify, I am a male gamer, that generally doesn't agree with anything like I've written above (I didn't even comment on the similar thread for CoD).... but I've played it, and it has the age rating for a reason.

WonderingWanda · 03/01/2025 16:37

GTA is very different to fortnite. My 15 yo still isn't allowed free reign on video games and doesn't have GTA. It's totally inappropriate for 11 year olds.

Throughthebluebells · 03/01/2025 16:37

I said no to my 13 year old, but unfortunately my ExDH decided to buy him the game for his 14th Birthday. I was not happy about it. When it came home I did confiscate it for a couple of years, but he got it back when he was 16.

maddening · 03/01/2025 16:37

We are relatively lax with video games but I would be looking at over 16 for gta at the v least.

TheWonderhorse · 03/01/2025 16:38

I wouldn't be thrilled with my partner playing it and he's 47.

It's the only game I won't let my 15 year old play

AlmostAJillSandwich · 03/01/2025 16:38

There are strippers you can interact with in just a thong with boobs in your face and pay to dance for you, and prostitutes you can choose multiple interactions with in your car. Then there's the obvious violence of all kinds of weapons and missions to commit mass murder etc. Plus anyone on the game can contact you in game via messages or even voice calls. Not appropriate for 11!

SnapdragonToadflax · 03/01/2025 16:39

I would say 16+ for GTA. I'd be surprised 11 year olds are allowed to play it! Do you know any of the parents?

FrogOnAYuleLog · 03/01/2025 16:39

DH told me the other day that you can go off and get a prostitute in GTA. Lovely. Can probably do worse too.

Bigearringsbigsmile · 03/01/2025 16:40

18
It is a foul game

OneLemonDog · 03/01/2025 16:40

Agree with others, 16 at the very youngest. 18 would also be reasonable.

It contains whan is basically softcore porn.

TadpolesInPool · 03/01/2025 16:42

Ooh good timing. DH and the DC were discussing getting a new game - GTa or Call of Duty. I overheard and put my foot down on both of them (DC are 10 and 13). Ive been meaning to check the ratings and reviews again to back up my stance, so this is a timely reminder! (DH just laughed and said ok not to get them. He prefers me to be the strict parent and its really annoying)

Bigearringsbigsmile · 03/01/2025 16:42

In fact my adult children are not allowed it in my house

LeaderBee · 03/01/2025 16:42

GTA is a satire of 80's gangster films like Scarface, Goodfella's, Dog day afternoon, the Godfather and the like, so, I would say, whatever age you'd also let them see those films.

JaninaDuszejko · 03/01/2025 16:46

It's a hard no to GTA in this house. Too much VAWG. Thankfully my 12 yo has shown no interest, there are plenty other games he can play instead. But kids always lie about'everyone' being allowed to do stuff, and age ratings are somewhere I'm strict about for a reason.

According to my teenage DDs I'm a pretty relaxed mother generally so I'm sure I can't be the only one who doesn't want that on my house.

HelloOhHell · 03/01/2025 16:46

I’ve played the game. I know they’re all playing it atm but 11 is too young.

The online version of the game consists of doing drug heists and robberies etc. There’s also racing and general driving around. I don’t play the online version much but If you do allow him, keep it to online only and not story mode

you can go to strip clubs and get prostitutes but i honestly doubt that will be of any interest right now -hit send too early. You need to be aware he will probably watch YouTube vids and find out all about these extras eventually.

also, where they have their consoles matter. No one I know let’s their children have their consoles in their rooms…

Thesquaregiraffe · 03/01/2025 16:48

There is another thread on here about “what age for” that I commented on earlier.

I was adamant (my then 12yr old) DS was never going to play GTA when he asked and said his school friends were playing it.

I am a gamer but haven’t played GTA as I disagree with its morals (or lack of). However, there are two versions one that has the prostitutes and one that doesn’t. I had a conversation with DS over why I didn’t want him playing GTA specifically and he understood but also said “but, it’s just a game”…. I still put my foot down and said no.

His friend, same yr at school but already 13, then bought it for my DS for his birthday and I lost the battle then and there.

What I will say is that I monitor heavily DS gaming and I won’t allow the PlayStation in his bedroom (despite us having two).

I would say that 11 is a little young but each child is different and I think it comes down to how mature he is and how he handles himself when gaming and when online generally.

sunshineandshowers40 · 03/01/2025 16:54

I'm pretty relaxed about gaming but 11 is too young. My 11 year old (Y7) wants it but at the moment it is a no. Oldest is 15 (Y11) and has it but doesn't play it that much. I would say around 15 is ok depending on the child. It's hard when all their friends are playing it, luckily it seems in be a 50/50 split in youngest friendship group.

MerryTealHedgehog · 03/01/2025 16:56

It's definitely got it's rating for a reason.

Original poster
Cokezeroandlime · 03/01/2025 17:00

I agree with everyone else on here, but it’s so frustrating when all of his friend group have been allowed it….I know they have because they have all discussed it when out with parents.

I know some of the parents, but not very well.

OP posts:
Suzuki76 · 03/01/2025 17:01

That and some of the war IPs are the only ones I'd say 16+. I'm not as fussed about horror or fantasy. We're playing Indiana Jones and the Great Circle which is rated 13+ and I feel like there's barely anything in it.

Penguinfeet24 · 03/01/2025 17:04

Nope nope nope. I'm not actually that strict on video games as I have two very sensible boys but GTA is banned.

StillCreatingAName · 03/01/2025 17:05

It’s ok to be that parent, it’s hard, but essential for your child. If it’s rated 18, as this is, but your DS is 11, then you don’t need to justify your decision in any way to the other parents. End of.

Trixiefirecracker · 03/01/2025 17:05

Just say what I say ‘that you don’t care how other people parent their children, they are not your children. You are my child and I make what I think are the right choices for you. Some of them you won’t like but they are done with love.’ Repeat where/when necessary.

Cosycover · 03/01/2025 17:10

Just get the online version and don't allow story mode.

Online version is milder and he can play in a game with only his friends and no strangers.

In online you do robberies etc to build up your money and then you can buy cars, houses and businesses.

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