GTA 5 to buy or not to buy

[rainbow26]

My Ds9 has asked for Grand theft auto 5 for Christmas.I have told him that there is no way santa will be bringing it for him as it is a 18 certificate game and he is only 9...he then hits back with 'that's so unfair all my friends in my class have got it I'm the only one who won't have it.'I know a couple of the children play it as they have older brothers and sisters but would like to know if anyone has children who they allow to play the game who are around my sons age,or would you allow your child to play/or not play the game.I just want to see really if it's just me being too strict not letting him have the game and what others thoughts are.Thanks for reading.:-)

[meditrina]

No. I have mid and younger teen. AFAIK we have one age 18 rated game, and it certainly isn't a GTA.

[clarinsgirl]

No no no.

[curlew]

No. My 12 year old isn't allowed it, and he's by no means alone.

[Needingthework]

No. It really is not suitable for children.

[rainbow26]

Thanks guys.IMO he is def too young for it,glad to see I'm not alone.:-)

[MummyofIsla]

Absolutely not for someone so young. I'm an avid gamer and DP and I have GTA 5, its a superb game but every bit deserves its 18 rating!

[LCHammer]

No.

[Crocky]

My 13 yo is definitely not allowed it.
Actually I have said the game is never entering my house and he is only allowed it when he leaves home. I may be being a little harsh there

[Mabelface]

My nearly 15 year old boys are not allowed to have it. It has scenes of torture and touches on necrophilia at one point. Your 9 year old will say that all of his friends have everything that he wants, but the reality is much different.

[Mabelface]

Crocky, I've said the same.

[SauvignonBlanche]

Nine? No way!
I've only just succumbed with DS and he's 17. It's wildly inappropriate for a 9 year old.

[BlueSkySunnyDay]

My 12 year old has it, he got it pre ordered with his birthday money. In my experience more of that age have it than dont (they play together on live so I know they actually DO have it) It's definately one where you can understand the age rating - I would put it off as long as you can.

My youngest son doesnt have, and isnt getting, any GTA games at 10 but some of his friends already do.

My eldest says some of it is unpleasant and disturbing and avoids the bits he doesnt like but some of his friends definately revel in it.

I worry more about the mates both have who make friends with strangers on live and am puzzled that their parents arent worried about it.

[curlew]

So if you would put it off as long as you can, why has your 12 year old got it?

[nancerama]

I used to work for several major games publishers and have applied for PEGI and BBFC ratings. These ratings are there for a reason.

Whilst I don't believe video games can harm children, exposing children to underage games can, and does do harm. Parents who allow such young children to play these games are so irresponsible.

[BlueSkySunnyDay]

Difference in opinion between H and I and I know my DS well enough to know he would tire of it quickly, its just not his thing. Banning it would lead to months of battling over it, hes got it and hes moved back to what he actually likes.

[Tuhlulah]

NEVER!

[beatricequimby]

I have a nine year old ds. Absolutely no way. I haven't played so may be wrong but my understanding is that it involves picking up prostitutes? If that is the case I will be explaining to my ds when he is old enough what prostitution is, how damaging it is and why I wouldn't have that game in my house.

[isitreallynearlychristmas]

Would you be happy with him going in the strip club? Etc. According to our children everyone else is allowed to have/do everything!

[AnythingNotEverything]

I agree with Crocky. I have a 13yo DS and will not allow GTA in the house never kind in his room! It's a horrible game. In no way suitable for children.

[bigTillyMintspie]

No way at 9. DS is nearly 13 and is not allowed it. He hasn't got any COD either, but as he is only really interested in Fifa, it's not a biggie

[Flyonthewindscreen]

My nearly 12 yo doesn't have it and says even his friends who are allowed COD are not allowed GTA so luckily am not being pestered to buy it. I wouldn't anyway!