I helped a 10-12 year old get GTAIV. Wrong?

I work for a promotions company for cell phones and was in the electronic section in walmart. Lots of people assume I work there, despite my uniform not being blue. But I still am always happy to help if I can.

So this young polite kid ask me if I had GTAIV in the bargain bin and I said I had seen it there the day before. But it was a deep bin and he asked me to come help look, I obliged but it wasn't in there. So I took him to the display case and they had the version with the DLC included for $30. So I went back with him to his mom and she said it was more expensive than the $15. I informed her you are getting essentially 3 games in one, and it should last 50-60hrs or more. He was the one who was paying for it too. But they didn't sell it to him because he needed his mom at the check out.

She was surprised it was 17+ and said no he can't have it. And asked my opinion on the game. I said there is a lot of violence and swearing but I had been playing these types of games since I was his age as well. The kid really wanted the game, and I felt very sympathetic towards him. So I said "these days kids are exposed to a lot especially in school, so it's swearing he's heard before, "if he's polite still in front of you [his mother] then this game won't have a radical effect on him." She still seemed conflicted. I should note the kid was agreeing with me wholeheartedly and repeating phrases I was saying like: "I'm already exposed" lol. I asked her if he played any other violent games like COD, and she said yes. That seemed to have closed the deal, as I said that had the same rating.

I said it's ultimately her decision and it's totally up to her on she wants to handle it. But the kid looks like he really has his heart set on that game.

So I see them buy it and thank me and I said have a nice holiday.

I played GTAIV and DLC when they first came out, so only after I started to recall the sex and drug references. But I just hope the kid has the sense to power down the game/pause it at those parts if his mom walks in.

Don't feel guilty, I have been playing GTA since that age and you are right, the schools are full of much more swearing and the way the world's going, they will be filled with as much violence as well.

Maybe it's just the way I was raised but I don't think kids 10-12 should be playing M games such as GTA. If anything, those kids are often the annoying brats online who mouth off to everyone. Better off waiting until they're older I'd say, but since the mother did give her approval I can't fault you for it nor should you feel guilty.

Maybe it's just the way I was raised but I don't think kids 10-12 should be playing M games such as GTA. If anything, those kids are often the annoying brats online who mouth off to everyone. Better off waiting until they're older I'd say, but since the mother did give her approval I can't fault you for it nor should you feel guilty.

Vari3ty

kids today are spoilt brats in this digital age, they do not know the effects of their own actions. it is wrong and yes from a hypocrite who plays this games at a young age.

I been letting my son play GTA and saints row games since he was 6. am I a bad parent? hes 12 now and never curses or calls woman b*tches

No, I don't think you should feel bad dude.:) Lot's of young kids play a lot of M rated games nowadays, and I just don't think you should beat yourself up for it. What's done is done, and at least you took the time to think about whether it was right or wrong :). Besides, if I was in the same position I would probably have done the same thing:lol:

And here's another way to look at it... I bet in that kid's eyes, you're a hero to him!:)

My 'lil bro plays GTA IV, He loves the euphoria physics, Never cursed anyone, Never let your son, Bro or any 12Year old play Saints Row 3, Its just way too adult.

I don't think you did the wrong thing, but that kid will most likely be the same kind of person you hear on CoD. Swearing, senseless idiots.

>helping anyone get a copy of the garbage that is GTA IV
Yes, yes you did do something wrong. Something very wrong.

Get them some GTA:SA or GTA V at least so they don't get bored to death.

>helping anyone get a copy of the garbage that is GTA IV
Yes, yes you did do something wrong. Something very wrong.

Get them some GTA:SA or GTA V at least so they don't get bored to death.

re65

Don't feel bad I think you did the right thing. Kids these days are exposed to all that through tv, movies, music, other kids etc. So i definiately agree with that. Besides it's the parents responsibility to teach their kids from right and wrong. If the kid does turn out bad it's not the games fault...it's the parents.

Yes, you were in the wrong.

[QUOTE="Canvas_Of_Flesh"]As long as the parent made the decision herself after receiving quality information from you, then you shouldn't feel guilty. white_sox

The quality of that information is suspect though, which is the main problem. He compared the game to CoD, and clearly GTA is no CoD. GTA deals with a lot more mature themes, which he admits he accidentally glossed over. The lines of good vs. evil are also blurred in GTA, but in CoD you (almost) always play as the positive force.

It's also important to consider the fact that "I played M rated games when I was a kid" doesn't equate to how a child should be raised or determine the guidelines for every child. There are links between increased aggression and violent video games, and I'm sure everyone is effected differently so personal experiences do not necessarily equate to what should be a blanket yes or no answer.

He also doesn't know anything about the child. This would be a huge determinate on how he should have approached the situation. Would I let my child play GTA at 10? Well, maybe. More than just his age would go into that decision.

All that said, I wouldn't sweat it too much. Next time I would handle the situation a little bit differently if I were you. Direct her to the ESRB on the box or if she needs more details, tell her they have a website. She should make the call on what is best for her child.

Maybe it's just the way I was raised but I don't think kids 10-12 should be playing M games such as GTA. If anything, those kids are often the annoying brats online who mouth off to everyone. Better off waiting until they're older I'd say, but since the mother did give her approval I can't fault you for it nor should you feel guilty.

Vari3ty

I been letting my son play GTA and saints row games since he was 6. am I a bad parent? hes 12 now and never curses or calls woman b*tches

BLAS1AN

This actually reminds of when I was younger. I was with my dad, and bought a music CD which had an 18+ rating because of its lyrical content. So the guy asked my dad if he was ok with the rating, and he said yes. Done deal.

It would only really be wrong if the parent explicitly didn't want their kids playing such games (in other words, selling it to them behind their backs). Nothing to really feel guilty about.

And besides, I myself was playing plenty of mature games at a relatively young age :P

After reading the title, I expected to read how you bought the game for the underage person because they would have been carded. Good to hear that wasn't the case.

It's tough, deciding what a kid can and can not play. I have two stepsons, 10 and 7. The 7 year old is content with Mario and Minecraft, but it's a never ending battle with the older one about what he can play. And not all Mature games are equal. I'd let him play Skyrim if I didn't think he'd overwrite my saves, but I'm keeping GTA out of his hands for now. And if you let him play one "M" game, then it becomes "but you let me play the other Mature rated game!", and so on. It's hard, because I know I was playing Mortal Kombat and Doom at ages 12-13. I guess in the end, it comes down to the individual kid and what you think he or she can handle.

no way. you helped him out alot haha i started playing those games when i was way young.

[QUOTE="BLAS1AN"]

I been letting my son play GTA and saints row games since he was 6. am I a bad parent? hes 12 now and never curses or calls woman b*tches

Kage1

you may be right LOL

I cant see myself being a conservative parent on games when I been playing them all my life