Talk

Flip

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

1 2 3

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Teenagers

DS(14) and age 18 games are we doing the right thing?

58 replies

WorrySighWorrySigh · 31/03/2013 18:28

DS(14) is not allowed PEGI 18 games. No debate, no discussion. He is allowed age 16 games.

Are we wrong? DS says his friends tease him for not having age 18 games.

OP posts:

Report

WorrySighWorrySigh · 01/04/2013 14:04

DS and I have chatted again today. I explained that he needs to be able to distinguish reality from the virtual world and that is more important for him than some of his friends. If he does go into the army then in a couple of years he will be training for real.

I think that yesterday was a bit of a glitch, he was tired and had got himself worked into a state. By the end of the evening he had put his games controller down and picked up a guitar and seemed a lot happier in himself.

Many thanks for all the advice and help.

OP posts:

Report

2fedup · 01/04/2013 17:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

WorrySighWorrySigh · 01/04/2013 18:23

Thank you 2fedup, I will take a look at that.

OP posts:

Report

sashh · 02/04/2013 08:31

Come on, do you really believe any 8y old's parent lets them play Assasins Creed?

I did know a 12 year old who not only played 18 games but was not allowed to go to bed because his step father was playing the game and needed the 12 yo to show him how to do stuff.

12 yo now an adult and not in contact with sf.

Report

Hattifattner · 02/04/2013 12:10

Come on, do you really believe any 8y old's parent lets them play Assasins Creed

I know a disturbed 7 yo who stated that the highlight of his weekend was reaching level X of COD. He was in a remedial social group at the time.

I also know a 10yo who plays COD with his dad.

Report

secretscwirrels · 02/04/2013 17:08

No GTA allowed here and DS1 is 17.
Mine both had COD at 14 and so did their friends. I know this because I checked.
Console in the living room though.
I have no problem with the game, doesn't appeal to me but it seems to let them socialise and let off steam.

Report

watchingout · 04/04/2013 22:41

My DS 13 ordered COD on his own Amazon account I hit the roof when it was delivered and confiscated it. Waste of £25 there and a whipped puppy too.

But... I then researched it in slow time, consulted with some RL friends, and had long talk with DS. He was eventually allowed to use the game, with supervision at first, and with the "gore" turned off. I watched for a few sessions until I fell asleep and he got bored very quickly.

Good lesson for us on communication and boundaries. Not sure it helps you?

Report

ProtegeMoi · 04/04/2013 23:16

I know someone who lets a 5 year old play 18 games!

My 8 year old son was at their house playing and came home as he knows he isn't allowed to play / watch these games.

The mum says is not that bad and they know its not real so its ok.

Mine won't play them for a LONG time, if at all. My son has special needs and is influenced easily so I will prevent him playing violent games for as long as I possibly can.