Though I’m no fan of censorship, or even age restrictions, I don’t think kids should be playing games filled with questionable content, overt sexuality or wanton violence. For the most part, I tend to let my own ones play games that I believe are suitable for their own maturity levels as opposed to some sort of ratings system – because I think it should be up to parents, as opposed to a number on a box, to decide what’s appropriate and suitable for their progeny. Now, some UK schools are threatening to report parents for child abuse if their children are caught playing games like GTA.
In a letter to parents, Mary Hennessy Jones of Pear Tree School in Nantwich sent a letter to parents on behalf of The Nantwich Education Partnership, warning that children playing mature games could put them at risk of participating in “early sexualised behaviours,” and target by sexual predators.
“Several children have reported playing or watching adults play games which are inappropriate for their age and they have described the levels of violence and sexual content they have witnessed: Call Of Duty, Grand Theft Auto, Dogs Of War and other similar games are all inappropriate for children and they should not have access to them.
“If your child is allowed to have inappropriate access to any game or associated product that is designated 18-plus we are advised to contact the police and children’s social care as it is neglectful.”
The letter also warns against social media networks and messaging services like WhatsApp, which are gateways to hell, obviously.
“Access to these games or to some social media sites such as those above increases early sexualised behaviours (sometimes harmful) in children and leaves them vulnerable to grooming for sexual exploitation or extreme violence.”
While I think there’s some sage advice in keeping exploitative, inappropriate and violent media away from young minds, I think that should be left up to parents, who need to be responsible for the media their kids consume. Of course, not all parents are responsible…
Last Updated: March 30, 2015
Blood Emperor Trevor
March 30, 2015 at 13:03
My first thought when I saw the headline was, “I bet that’s in the UK.” I love being right.
Pariah
March 30, 2015 at 13:10
Well, it couldn’t be Australia.
Michael Matusowsky
March 30, 2015 at 13:32
Well yeah it can’t be Aus because the highest rating they give is 16. Anything above that is illegal.
RinceThis
March 30, 2015 at 13:41
When it’s so rare you are allowed to… BACK TO WORK!
Kromas is drunk with power!
March 30, 2015 at 14:58
Damn well not gonna be in Japan that much I could have told you. 😛
Admiral Chief
March 30, 2015 at 13:04
This, I like this!
Lord Chaos
March 30, 2015 at 13:05
“Dogs of War”? Did I miss something?
Ranting Raptor
March 30, 2015 at 13:11
I actually think this is a good idea because it’s clear most parents haven’t got the foggiest idea of what is appropriate for their kids maturity levels. Some parents do yes, but the majority of parents? Nope.
You just need to read all the stories of kids going loco and shown to have access crazy violent games such as GTA that the parents bought.
Now I know each kid has a different maturity level and I myself played violent games before I was of the “right” age. But something needs to be done to get some of these parents more involved in what their kids are playing.
Pariah
March 30, 2015 at 13:13
I played MK since I was 10? 11? I’ve never had the urge to go and beat someone to death. (Ok, I’ve certainly THOUGHT about it, but the urge never existed).
And let’s be honest, MK isn’t exactly “non-violent”
Ranting Raptor
March 30, 2015 at 13:17
And that’s where Geoff’s point comes in of what a kid is capable of handling maturely.
Each kid is different. But you get some parents who are letting their 10 year old kid, who already has issues, play something like GTA? No. That needs to be fixed
Pariah
March 30, 2015 at 13:21
I think it’s also about teaching them right from wrong. If you do so, the child will be better equipped to realise that it’s just a game and that doing this in real life is wrong.
lygamnt
March 31, 2015 at 06:21
Yeah its called parenting. There is no way in hell government bureaucrats should be able to interfere with my family or any other unless the child is being abused or put in danger. All of you people that think the government knows better than you should just give up your kids cause your not fit to be parents.
Lord Chaos
March 30, 2015 at 13:12
Seeing as 21k SA school children fell pregnant during the last financial year. What games are they playing?
I never had to be told “Don’t try this at home”
Pariah
March 30, 2015 at 13:13
Valid point right here.
Ryanza
March 30, 2015 at 13:13
Kids give The Witcher 3 to your dad on Father’s day. Some time in June. Game comes out in May. and by every means don’t play the game. Or is this the wrong for the kids.
Batman, wait, another mature game. You parents need to be playing games with your kids. If you beat them at the game. they won’t be playing anymore. Just not cool anymore.
RinceThis
March 30, 2015 at 13:44
http://i.imgur.com/PpHrJXq.gif tehehe
Ryanza
March 30, 2015 at 13:46
If only my comments came with a day 1 patch to fix all the shit.
Hammersteyn
March 30, 2015 at 16:35
I’d speak Ancient Babylonian if he was talking to me
Hammersteyn
March 30, 2015 at 13:16
Finally! Now I may be nailed to a cross for saying this, but some parents I feel needs to take a test and get a license before getting kids. Just for the sake of the child, there are some out there that are simply not cut out to be parents.
Brady miaau
March 30, 2015 at 13:18
Nah, you are, in my view, correct.
Pariah
March 30, 2015 at 13:19
The same applies to teachers imho. Some of them shouldn’t be around kids. Ever.
Lord Chaos
March 30, 2015 at 13:28
Where do I sign the petition?
RinceThis
March 30, 2015 at 13:45
Some? I’d venture most. Totally with you on the test part.
Greylingad
March 30, 2015 at 14:02
Yes!! with an automatic fail if you misspell your name on the entry form?
Admiral Chief
March 30, 2015 at 14:28
LOOOL
Hammersteyn
March 30, 2015 at 16:35
XD
Lardus-Resident Perve
March 30, 2015 at 13:24
“Of course, not all parents are responsible” – this is the problem. Some parents just buy their little brats whatever they want to get them to shut up. Responsible parent like you are not an issue, its those lazy mother forklifts!
http://despicablememinions.org/wp-content/themes/wumblr/themify/img.php?src=http://despicablememinions.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/10378015_755231737894697_4767532158152004950_n.jpg&w=590&h=&q=55
Lardus-Resident Perve
March 30, 2015 at 13:26
In case the above link goes to a php site rather than the image (IE of course)
Admiral Chief
March 30, 2015 at 13:31
Lazy mother forklifts. I like this!
Gareth L (That eXCheez Guy)
March 30, 2015 at 13:27
I fully support this. Practically any time I’m in a game retail store there’s a kid under 10 years old with a M+ rated game in its grubby hands at the counter.
My reason for being for this is not related to the “it makes kids violent” argument. Mine’s about the fact the I’m glad that it’s creating awareness that there are in fact restrictions on these titles and they shouldn’t be bought for your (very) under-age and impressionable kids.
Ryanza
March 30, 2015 at 13:35
GTA 5 needs to be sold in an adult strip club. So that the game can come with a lap dance.
Batman needs to be sold in an adult sex toy store. So that you can get your leather (gimp suit) with the game.
The Witcher 3 should be sold in… I can’t think of a good one. Don’t want to tarnish the Witcher name. I was thinking an adult cinema with the 16 hours of sex. But you might not leave. Well you will leave after a minute.
Swords, sex, open… I can’t think of a place where they can sell The Witcher 3.
Pariah
March 30, 2015 at 13:40
Benoni.
Ryanza
March 30, 2015 at 13:40
The Witcher 3 should be sold in a brothel. And it should come with the reddest prostitute there is. Please use purell.
Greylingad
March 30, 2015 at 13:59
You know, there is a very, very fine line to walk with kids, what you feed them, what you teach them as a first word( out of personal experience, try and avoid the word sit, especially if it starts sounding like the one with the h in it, sith) but it’s a parents’ responsibility to regulate their children’s intake, saying no, means no, as in, you are not allowed to watch porn in the lounge while smoking, it could damage your lungs… On a more serious note, Having social services doorbashing won’t help anyone and if your kids are mature enough to realise that the content is satirical or gaming matter for that matter, then you can introduce it to them
DrKiller
March 30, 2015 at 14:02
So how will they know if anyone plays it at home?
Kensei Seraph
March 30, 2015 at 14:28
Sounds like those people think there is only one way to make sure the kids are safe.
https://fareastfling.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/dansai_bunri_no_crime_edge-08-iwai-tears-crying-fear-bars-jail-prison-sheep_horns-cosplay.jpg
Gavin Mannion
March 31, 2015 at 04:35
The problem is you are expecting other parents to be as concerned about their own children as you are.
Unfortunately that just isn’t the case in many families