Call of Duty Video Game

I wouldn't let my boys play it until they were teenagers. Young boys do tend to exhibit aggressive behavior if the they watch violent shows or play those games. When they were younger, we let them have sports games. So my opinion is it's not appropriate. There' plenty of time later when you really can't control what they do. At 5 you can.
You might want to read what a teacher just posted a little earlier: "Got to vent: video games!"
Victoria

Games have ratings for a reason, don't forget. I have played this game myself, and I would NEVER allow my daughter to be in the room while it's on, not even for a minute. Let alone play it! Please, respect game ratings, they are there for a reason!

Personally, yes I do. But, that's my choice for my family. I have a 9 year old daughter and I still won't let her play those types of games! JMO

If you're OK with your son going to war in Iraq and seeing what goes on there, then sure Call of Duty is fine. It may be 'just a game' but it's incredibly realistic...to the point of the Army using it as a training tool for the kids that are going to go fight in close quarter situations.

Inappropriate. And it's rated age 17+, FYI.

Sorry R. - not just a little inappropriate but COMPLETELY inappropriate. I mean really, you've got to be baiting us. Are you for real? This game originated as an army simulation to desensitize soldiers for battle and close combat exercises. Since, your son is 5, try some E For Everyone games. I think Call of Duty is at least 17+.

Inappropriate. I’m aware of some Moms that allow their kids to play those types of games because it allows them to get things done around the house or just so they can watch T.V.

My question is why not just put a paint brush in their hands in front of a big pad of paper with some fun glitter glue instead of putting those dumb video games in their hands? Letting a child use their imagination is priceless. Bottom line, I agree with your Mom =-)

I have a few Call of Duty games for my Xbox 360 and don't allow my 9 year old to even watch me play them. At his age, there is no reason for him to be watching violence and blood spatter. The games are realistic, and it's not just you shoot and the guy falls over. True, it's just a game, but children don't differentiate between circumstances the way adults do. There's a reason it's rated "mature".

Yeah, I'd agree, this isn't appropriate. However, since he's already seen it, I'd definitely make sure you turn it into a "teaching moment" for him... talk about what he's seen, your values with regard to guns and killing, the purpose of the military and your beliefs/values in that area... also good to talk about death. And why you've changed your mind about playing it. (Don't blame grandma... talk about YOUR reasons, if that's what you choose to do.) My husband and I aren't as much into "censoring" as most parents seem to be... instead, we talk about what we've seen and experienced. Obviously, we don't let our little ones watch inappropriate television, etc., (then again, I also think our version of "appropriate" isn't always the same as other parents... I don't shut a show off because one child calls another "stupid-head," but I do explain to my children that's not kind or loving, and therefore, not how we behave. Clearly, I'm present for nearly every show/game they watch/play... so I'm very much a part of it all at the moment... I figure I won't always be, so I might as well teach them how to respond/behave using the tools of tv and games...) But we feel that when our children are exposed to it, the best response is to GIVE a response, to make it a family teaching moment. Because of television, video games, other kids, (and one little boy who lost a baby sibling and told about it in Sunday school), etc., my son has had many questions about death and heaven, etc., and we've already had lots of good discussions and he's only 4. I feel confident, because of these discussions, that my son is already well equipped to deal with and understand these sorts of tragedies in a healthy way that many adults are not, as a result. So, while I wouldn't condone playing the game anymore, I'd definitely talk about it. Don't think your little man can't understand your reasons, if you take the time to explain it to him as best you can. Also, think about finding a replacement. I agree that Lego xbox 360 games are good, and fun... Obviously, there are still guns and death involved there, too... but not quite so "realistic" and desensitizing. Or try one of those Jumpstart Preschool games available at Best Buy and Target, which is more educational-oriented but still fun.

Anyway, hope you don't take all the "oh my gosh, I can't believe you let him play that!" too personally. :) My little boy has seen my husband play the very same game and so we've had that "teaching moment," too, and Daddy now plays only when our little man is sleeping. But you know, my in-laws didn't let my husband play with guns growing up -- no toy guns, I mean, not even squirt guns -- until he was nearly a teenager. But, he said, he "made" guns out of everything, legos, sticks, Construx, etc. :) And I think my husband turned out just fine for "making" his own guns... even if he does like playing this game. :) And did join the military (but does not carry or use a gun). I sort of think boys will be boys in some ways. Just this particular game is pretty life-like... esp for a five year old... and with summer on the way, there are lots of alternative activities: swimming, soccer, roller-skating, biking, hiking, karate... :)

PS -- if you want a really good read on "boys will be boys" -- understanding your son and your husband -- check out "Wild at Heart." LOVE that book, and when I read it, and was recapping to my husband, he said "wow, that's right on... I never thought of it that way, but that's right on." So... check it out. :) I think your boys will appreciate it. (PPS -- the woman's book is "Captivating," also really great!)

I think it is inappropriate. I fully believe the ratings are there for a reason.

Not appropriate.... for playing nor watching it. For any child.

Sure its just a game... but REMEMBER, it is the REPETITION and the REPETITIVENESS of what the child is seeing... that is also dangerous.
How many times for example, is blood squirting onto the screen when someone is killed? How many times is the gun shot off? How many times is someone killed? How many times is battle slang language used and mentioned? How many times and in how many ways are the "enemies" called by insulting remarks?

Remember, repetition is HOW a child learns. In a big world way, repetition is how people are brainwashed... in cults, for example.
It is how tv commercials "appeal" to kids to buy certain toys.
It is how media print ads, make women & little girls buy things and how they think about their bodies and give them body image problems.

All of this "works" by REPETITION. And a mere 5 year old, playing a violent realistic game like this... is "learning". By exposure. By repetition. By 'Repeated" influence to it.
It can also, make a child "de-sensitized" to violence. Jaded.
This aspect of it, is not good nor mentally healthy. For a child.
You need to also always talk to a child ABOUT what they see on TV or in games.... always. And it is also so you can see how your Child thinks... about these things. Checks and balances. So you can gauge them and their reactions/feelings/logic about it.

All the best,
Susan

I think your mother is very wise. Being that she has already raised kids and has been around for a while, I wouldn't dismiss her concerns.

I have a house full of boys and we have all the video games...my DH and nephew and step kids love the call of duty games...and the Vegas games and the Halo games. I do think it is just a game but we do not let our lil' boys (right around your sons age) play call of duty, or Vegas...they can and are allowed to play the Halo games. My DH and I have decided each game depends on the language and more importantly the blood level. Halo doesn't have a lot of blood, but it does have some, purple, blue etc. but it is a shooting game none the less. Most of the others have lots of blood-although you can turn the blood off on lots of them...maybe a compromise?

I have had this same exact conversation with my MIL...depends on how you feel about it? Have you actually watched it? Make sure you do, so you can make your own decision...I don't want to baby my boys but I do not want to do any damage to their growing and impressionable lil' brains either! Any and all Star Wars games are fun for that age and Lego everything is pretty good...also Spiderman and such is pretty good.

I am nervous to read all your responses....sure they are all going to be a HUGE -NO -DONT- LET -THEM -PLAY! YIKES!

Which "Call of Duty" are you talking about? The WWII game is fairly innocuous as far as FPS games go... and is actually fairly educational. I had absolutely no problem letting my kiddo play it, and it's gotten to be useful as far as school goes. The newest one... ugh... it starts of with a fairly graphic torture sequence, and pretty much gets worse from there. That particular game is banned in our house, although we got a copy from someone for xmas.

R

I am in the same boat. My son is also 5 and loves the game but I find it disturbing to see him wandering around with a gun in his hand.... He mostly shoots out windows and fans and anything else he can shoot and rarely shoots anyone but the concept of him shooting people is a tad disturbing to me. He does the hunting games since we are hunting and I want him to learn that we hunt for food and we NEVER ever shoot people. He doesn't seem to act it out during play with friends. I guess each kid is different and their ability to understand that its just a game. He is very limited on his play time and I guess until he gives me reason to not let him play it he will probably get his c.o.d play time. I'm sure a lot of people are going to say totally opposite of me but it is what it is.

ok normally I dont get on here to argue but someone said its a problem when they draw knives or guns and talk about killing people. THAT IS WHAT PARENTS ARE FOR. If you are involved your children will know its inappropriate to talk like that its NOT video games and we cannot blame games for school violence. If your kid is constantly plugged in and has no parenting that is where the violence comes into play.

Just say yeah yeah yeah then do what you want. Try not to let her see things. Old grannies are like that. They are not up to par with the present... they are just old fogie. My son's all played those games. THat is just what kids do these days, but they aren't murderers. I often wondered if it would make them want to go war. That was my fear. I think that is just in a boys instinct and gender make up just like before they can talk, they know what guns and cars are and they all want one. So they turn 16 and they try to fix their car up like a race car..... do they all turn out to be race car drivers? No.. that is just in their blood for some reason.
Don't argue with your mother. Just say yeah mom I know and then let it go in one ear and out the other. Old people just don't understand.
Good luck.

I stopped my 3yr old son from watching his 9yr old half brother playing that game. I think it's disturbing and don't see where it's appropriate for a young impressionable kid to watch blood spatter.... p.s. I have no say as to what the step son plays,etc...but I will step in when things influence my kids and isn't age appropriate.

I feel like this must be a joke question?

absolutely. children don't make a difference from reality or non reality. they throw themselves into movies or games wholeheartedly. they are also taking in every detail and aspect since they cannot filter out extra stuff. and since they are still completely open to learning they will make every nuance of this game part of their being.

it is a war related shooting game.

yeah I totally think it is inappropriate.

I think that game is a little to much for a 5 year old. It may spark something in him to try something in the game and either hurt himself of someone else. They rate these games for a reason, and I know that game you have to be 18 to get it. My ex is a gamestop manager, even he agrees with me that a 5 year old shouldn't play.

That game is rate M for mature.
it is completely inappropriate for a child.
Have you played it?
Here is some information on what is in it.
http://bestbuy.partner.commonsensemedia.org/partner/bestb...

I'm sorry but I have to agree with your mom. It's just a game, but with a lot of violence that is too much for a 5 year old to be exposed to. At that age, kids don't differentiate that well between real and "just a game." Also, there is a lot of research that shows that children exposed to violence in games re-enact that violence in their pretend play and are to some degree desensitized to the violence. You can look at the American Academy of Pediatrics' website; I think that they have information and suggested guidelines for video/tv etc. for small children. Finally, I always tell my own kids (now 11 and 14) that tv and video games aren't necessarily bad, but that it's important to do a variety of activities during the day and that tv and video games become a problem if they keep you from doing those other things.

I would highly recommend that you first figure out which Call of Duty game it is - there are several and some are very graphic and meant ONLY for ADULTS. Second, you should read up on the game. I've included a link below where you can get reviews. I have an 11 year old son and this is a constant struggle in our home. I don't allow 'mature' games but some of his friends parents do - so he goes to their homes and plays without my consent. These video games are not JUST games. Some of them have sex, violence, gore and language that isn't even appropriate for teens (in my opinion). Just do some research and you should be able to decide for yourself. I'm sure you will get many other opinions as well.

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/reviews-list/game/c

Yes, it is inappropriate.

Yes...completely inappropriate for that age.

For my boys (6 and 8 with wild imaginations), yes, absolutely, that would be inappropriate. My husband loves that game (ours is the Wii version, not sure if it's different) but he only plays it after the boys are in bed. For a 5 year old, there's alot of other video games that would be much more helpful for his development and far less harmful than COD. Though it's true that kids are all different, with different level of imagination and abiltiy to cope with the violence, etc, but bottom line is, it's not good for him to see that. I"m sorry but I think your mom is right. And as long as your son is still young enough for you to control what he sees, why not let him remain undisturbed for as long as you can, jmo, good luck

OMG, my SIL bought this game for her 12 & 9 yo and I think it's even inappropriate for them, but they let my 3 yo play it!! THREE YEARS OLD!!! And I told them I dont want him playing it, and my MIL (who babysits my kids) and my SIL think I am overreacting, and they let him play even though I forbid it!!!!! I dont know what to do!

I'm pretty sure the rating on that game is M for mature. So there's your answer.

Sorry R., I'm with your mom on this one. Remember your son is only 5. That game is rated M-Mature, much like an R-rated movie. Would you take your son to see The Hurt Locker? And those was video games are very, very graphic.

My son loves his video games, but it's pretty much limited to sports games or E-Everyone (and he's 11). He is bummed that I don't allow him to play Call of Duty or Halo or any of that stuff. But he always beats the pants off his buddies with his sports games.
S.