Child would like unsuitable game for christmas HELP!

bestpud

I would say no.

Often they say friends have it but they may well not. If they do it is more likely they have older siblings or one of their other relatives is a game player.

I had a similar issue with my son when he was a young teen and I said no. I can't remember the game now - I think it was one of the Grand Theft Auto ones but most of his school friends did have it.

In fact he broke his leg and was telling the paramedic that I wouldn't let him have it and she said 'oh my son is your age and plays it all the time!!' Great help that was lol!

I wasn't happy to buy it for him though so I stuck to my guns and said no.

You really have to go with your gut instinct on this one. You are the best judge of what your son can handle and how you all deal with gaming in your house.

The fact you have asked tells me you are concerned so I would go with that tbh.

Do you know anyone who may have a copy? Maybe you could go and see it in the flesh before you decide?

Ask people with teenagers or adults who play these games if you can have a look. Or you could search on Youtube as there will be shots of the game on there...?

But in short, my answer would definitely be 'no'.

blue_monkey_2

I'd say 'here is the money, when you can buy it yourself you can have it and play it'. LOL. I am mean, a rating is there for a reason and that is because it should not be played by children.

You cannot give them everything thye want and they have to learn this.

They can not buy them, they cannot watch something in the cinema if it is 18 rated. Why should it be different in the home.

Apparently 'all the kids' have everything my daughter wants - which I find very hard to believe.

I had a friend whose young son used to have bad nightmares, he was unable to sleep in his own room and he wanted the light on when he did. He also used to wet the bed. In the next breath she would be telling us that he was up watching watching Saw with his dad..... Beggars belief really. These films do effect young children, there is no way I'd expose my children to games and films such as these. When they are old enough they can buy it for themselves.

And if I found out my kids were going to a house where they were playing or watching these games they would not be going again. Simple really.

jillie1974

no, dont buy it. if you wouldnt let him watch an 18 rated film then dont buy the game.

my friend has bought his 8yr old this as 'he thinks its fun killing people'.....says it all really

clairec79

Just asked DH he said no way, he'd get Metroid Trilogy instead (which is a 12 rating so still technically above his age) which is a shooting game still but something with robots instead of people

Blueshark

My sons are 21, 19 and 15. They have it and some of the language I hear coming from others over the game is too much for me.
Definately not for anyone younger than my youngest, partly due to swearing very young kids, as well as the game content.

rachbc

My son jsut asked for this - he's nearly 13. My gut reaction was no way - i hated that he even wanted it tbh. However I asked my friends with kids of the smae age and they went through the same doubts and questions as I did - intelligent thoughtful people not 'chavs'! They have all got the game of their sons - and you know what - none of them have turned overnight into rampaging loons with total personality transplants - they are the same funny, football playing, music playing, bright, articulate, caring, sometimes stroppy, sulky teenage boys they were before.

We are getting it for him and like all his other games he will be limited to and hour screen time an evening. Having said that I would NOT buy it for an 8yo!

Poly,put_the_kettle_on

PinkLipgloss wrote: »

strawberry laces,

I have seen first hand the effects of these games on some young boys I have taught (the language they used and behaviour exhibited mirrored what they were seeing/hearing in these games). I am not saying your boys will do that however there are numerous other effects.

I have read various research papers in the subject so I guess we'll have to agree to disagree.

I'm currently reading (again, yawn) about the Bandura "Bobo doll" studies.

Anyone remember the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles hitting the screens? Or the Power Rangers? I remember the Turtles in particular. Our quiet village schoolyard was suddenly awash with kids emulating their favourite characters. Rather than skipping & playing football, the playground was full of kids kicking & punching eachother.

No one who'd seen that, and the suddeness of it- would doubt the ability of violent games & programmes to influence the behaviour of some kids.

Reggie_Rebel

Buy him FIFA instead he'll make more money playing for Barcelona than he will taking down Al-Quaeeda

kafkathecat

Poly, from the studies I have read and from my own experience with my ds films appear to affect behaviour more than games (short term not long term) and yet children's films and TV programmes seem to get more and more violent.

sunday_girl

No, I absolutely wouldn't buy something like that for an 8 year old.