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[64bitbros]

I've got 2 kids, 10 and 12. Both are pretty sensitive for scary things. So i keep stuff like that away from them. To violence in movies and games they are far less sensitive to. But i still try to keep it age appropiate. It depends on the child really. Some are more sensitive than others.

 

[tintin1029]

Alright, PT is definitely stretching it.

I absolutely wouldn't be happy to see my hypothetical kid playing PT.

It's not even the jumpscares that bother me.

Those Radio messages, man....and the bathroom. It's too much.

 

[Dunkley]

If they say they want to and they can play it as far as ratings are concerned, I have no issues letting them try but only with me watching. I wouldn't want them lose sleep over something and if they aren't ready to handle the genre I think it'd be also okay to retroactively prevent them from playing more until they are older it.

 

[kurahador]

Nahh...kids being scared of the dark is bad enough to deal with.

 

[Abhor]

I would say it depends on the child's temperment. I grew up playing "violent" games and had no issue with it, but I know my partner is the opposite and would freak out pretty easily.

 

[poodaddy]

Alright, PT is definitely stretching it.

I absolutely wouldn't be happy to see my hypothetical kid playing PT.

It's not even the jumpscares that bother me.

Those Radio messages, man....and the bathroom. It's too much.

Lol I was just trying to illustrate just how disapproving of her playing Senran Kagura I'd be bro. I have no intention of letting her play a game where an aborted fetus speaks and cries and you hear yourself murdering your wife in a bath tub my man, no worries haha.

 

[Sanctuary]

This was actually recently an issue for one of the daughters of my best friend. She has ADHD and is prone to fits of "fantasy", as well as claiming to have nightmares all of the time (even times where she actually doesn't), and when she kept going on and on about wanting to play Five Nights at Freddy's a few years ago, her parents gave her a resounding "No!" multiple times. Despite her saying that she pretty much watched someone already play through it entirely.

A year later and she's played every one of them, and she also recently finished Until Dawn. She just turned thirteen. She also has an eight year old sister that watches pretty much any horror movie with their mom, and will do a great impression of the spirit from The Grudge on demand.

 

[WITHE1982]

My 8 years old loves horror games. She'll sit and watch me play through Silent Hill, Resident Evil etc. I've even let her play the final section of P.T. which she absolutely loves (she keeps watching reaction videos on YouTube and laughing her ass off).

Obviously there's certain games and scenes i'd draw the line at but I was raised on horror games/movies myself and it certainly did me no harm.

For example I'd rather let her play something like outlast than a game which glorifies violence such as GTA 5 (which is a great game BTW).

 

[Big Nikus]

Reading the OP, I thought you were talking about a 11 or 12 y.o
4 or 5 is so young. But then again i always see parents on GAF saying "if it didn't fuck me up, I can show it to my kids". I'm not on the same mindset at all. I mean, I watched porn at a very young age, will I show porn to my kids ? Hell no. (okay, terrible comparison)
Perhaps I'll show them some "light horror" stuff when they are about 7 or 8 and see how it goes, idk.

 

[tintin1029]

Lol I was just trying to illustrate just how disapproving of her playing Senran Kagura I'd be bro. I have no intention of letting her play a game where an aborted fetus speaks and cries and you hear yourself murdering your wife in a bath tub my man, no worries haha.

lol I know, dude.

Just the idea of it sprung in my mind after you mentioned it.

A game that revolves around a father that killed his whole family, wouldn't that be great to show your kid that you're currently fathering? lol

The questions that could spring from that. Good lord.

 

[excaliburps]

My eight-year old daughter can't control games well (for now), so I let her watch. I also let her watch horror movies with me (as long as it's not too graphic, or have nudity, etc.) And so far, she's definitely normal.

I do, but lately I've been thinking maybe I shouldn't. I don't let her play anything that I consider "feasible violence" like modern shooters or that type of thing, but I do let her play Bloodborne, Five Nights at Freddy's( I don't care for it but eh she loves it so why not), Sonic Dreams Collection(its horror to me....), and I let her watch the Best Friends Shitstorm on YouTube with me every October; and she loves that stuff, but lately I've been wondering if I'm kind of a fucked up parent for doing that.

A friend of mine who happens to be a child psychologist actually kind of implied to me that this kind of thing can somehow permanently alter a child's mind in a negative way, and it made me feel like shit. I mean I love horror stuff and I always have, and I seem to of imprinted that propensity towards darker things upon her unwittingly and now she's honestly so into that type of stuff that I feel like itd be more traumatizing for me to bar her from it now then if I just allowed it to continue. I mean she's a smart, active, social, fun loving kid so I don't see how it has possibly negatively affected her but what do I know?

TLDR; do you guys let your kids play horror games or would you if you had any? Do you think it's damaging in some way to allow a child to play horror games if they wish or is that just overprotective bunko in your eyes? If you've got older kids and they played horror games do you have any regrets or do you think it was just fine?

I honestly wouldn't worry about it that much. People always find some new study saying this and that when it comes to kids, and some are taken to extreme levels. My sister, who's a teacher and graduated with a degree in psychology, is like this. Her kid is super sheltered from everything that's considered "bad" and we (meaning me, wife, family, etc.) haven't noticed anything different from both kids (her eldest is like six).

Heck, I started watching horror films waaay back then when I was like, I dunno, less than 10? I turned out fine. I played a ton of violent games and watched violent movies as well, and yep. I'm a normal guy.

Maybe nothing too gory, OP? Or just ask her after what she thinks to gauge her mental state? But yeah, wouldn't worry that much.

 

[TannerDemoz]

I'm not a parent, but I grew up playing games like Resident Evil and Silent Hill when I was a child and I found them fine.

HOWEVER

I do think there is a line between the depiction of horror/scares in games like that and then the raw aggression of games such as Manhunt, which I really don't think should be played by kids.

 

[Yautja_Warrior]

No kids yet but if I did, I probably would let them, maybe when they are around 10 - 12 years old. It never did me any harm as a kid but I would definitely be picky about what they can and can't play to some degree, at least until they got a bit older.

 

[Mexen]

Is there even any evidence of horror in general having a negative long-term effect on children?

I am 26 and still need a nightlight.

 

[petran79]

I dont know, horror games have changed greatly from when I was a kid. But then I remember most horrific and nightmarish scenes were from TV series and animation that were supposed to be kid friendly.

Maybe a horror multimedia book or a phone game with mini games would be the best.

Oh and Konami's Kid Dracula

 

[AlexBasch]

If I had kids, yeah, I would. I'd get a kick out of it.


I probably shouldn't have kids.

Yup. I'd feel like a fucking hypocrite by not allowing my child to play some stuff when I clearly remember playing Mortal Kombat at age 7.

Got really scared at first though.

 

[danmaku]

Reading the OP, I thought you were talking about a 11 or 12 y.o
4 or 5 is so young. But then again i always see parents on GAF saying "if it didn't fuck me up, I can show it to my kids". I'm not on the same mindset at all. I mean, I watched porn at a very young age, will I show porn to my kids ? Hell no. (okay, terrible comparison)
Perhaps I'll show them some "light horror" stuff when they are about 7 or 8 and see how it goes, idk.

It's actually a very good comparison. The perception of sexuality is all fucked up in western culture (I'm not saying it's good in the east, I'm just not competent to talk about it). Not that the average porn movie is a good representation of sex, but the average horror movie isn't a good representation of violence, either. They both exaggerate everything to achieve their goal (give you a boner or scare you).

 

[Sanctuary]

Lol I was just trying to illustrate just how disapproving of her playing Senran Kagura I'd be bro. I have no intention of letting her play a game where an aborted fetus speaks and cries and you hear yourself murdering your wife in a bath tub my man, no worries haha.

Wait, what? Is that actually the kind of stuff that happens in that game? If so, I might wait until I can get a used copy for $5 on Amazon in a few years or something just for some people that would find that kind of stuff peversely humorous (people that still quote Urotsukidoji today).

Yup. I'd feel like a fucking hypocrite by not allowing my child to play some stuff when I clearly remember playing Mortal Kombat at age 7.

Got really scared at first though.

That's an odd kind of logic, especially if you already know your child most likely wouldn't be able to handle it.

 

[poodaddy]

lol I know, dude.

Just the idea of it sprung in my mind after you mentioned it.

A game that revolves around a father that killed his whole family, wouldn't that be great to show your kid that you're currently fathering? lol

The questions that could spring from that. Good lord.

Oh yeah dude, I have no idea how I'd go about explaining that game to her. I'll probably let her play it when she's like....I dunno....14 or something. Even then I might just say ask your mother to some questions lol.

 

[oni-link]

I don't have

Spoiler

or want

kids, but I'd rather my niece and nephew play older horror games than the Skinner box infused gambling apps aimed at them that they'll probably end up playing

 

[poodaddy]

Wait, what? Is that actually the kind of stuff that happens in that game? If so, I might wait until I can get a used copy for $5 on Amazon in a few years or something just for some people that would find that kind of stuff peversely humorous (people that still quote Urotsukidoji today).



That's an odd kind of logic, especially if you already know your child most likely wouldn't be able to handle it.

Well I'm afraid you won't be finding any used copies of PT brother. It was digital only and the source of a rather high profile Konami store removal controversy a couple years back. I'm sure you heard about it. What's Urotsukidoji? Never heard of it and can barely pronounce it lol

 

[Big Nikus]

It's actually a very good comparison. The perception of sexuality is all fucked up in western culture (I'm not saying it's good in the east, I'm just not competent to talk about it). Not that the average porn movie is a good representation of sex, but the average horror movie isn't a good representation of violence, either. They both exaggerate everything to achieve their goal (give you a boner or scare you).

Yeah, good point.

I don't know if I'm over protective or if I should trust kids more, but I had nightmares as a kid because of Nightmare on Elm Street and a few other movies that my brother watched, and even though the memories of the fear are fun in retrospect, well it wasn't fun at the time so I don't wish that for my (future) kids, even if it's harmless in the long run.

 

[Sanctuary]

Well I'm afraid you won't be finding any used copies of PT brother. It was digital only and the source of a rather high profile Konami store removal controversy a couple years back. I'm sure you heard about it. What's Urotsukidoji? Never heard of it and can barely pronounce it lol

I was asking if Senran Kagura had the talking abortion and you killing your wife scenario or whatever. Anyway, Urotsukidoji is one of the most famous (notorious) "horror-hentai" series and pretty much started the whole tentacle porn nonsense. Even if you don't care at all about seeing the sex stuff, it had some extremely fantastic monster designs and pretty damn good animation. Plus, the dialogue was super cheesy.

I actually rented the third movie from Family Video of all places, not having any idea what I was getting myself into. I was also watching it with a friend, my younger cousin and my aunt. Holy shit was I embarassed when I found out what it was all about, but my aunt couldn't stop laughing.

 

[User123456]

When I was a kid, I was exposed to horror games, and I tried playing them. They scared the shit out of me. The first time, it was "traumatizing" in the sense that I was really fucking shocked and scared in that moment. I was very, very young! (about 4 or 5 years old). But my older brother, who was usually my gaming partner in crime, was always there for me.

I got over it rather quickly. I wouldn't say that it had any negative consequences for me, and I would even go as far as to say it was a mental/character growth situation for me, but I would recommend being a responsible adult and talking to the kid about it, making sure they're fine, reassuring them if they dislike the experience... Always being there for a child goes a long way in my experience. I was exposed to plenty of "adult-only" entertainment such as hyper violent games, gore... I found things I liked and things I disliked, and I became a pretty well-adjusted adult. Even as a kid I was never violent or anything like that.

That was my experience as a child, I can't say anything from a parent's perspective.

 

[fester]

With the absolute wealth of age-appropriate, "kid friendly" games available, I see no need to rush things. By definition children need time to mature - they aren't just "mini adults". My 9 year old son was overjoyed to beat Super Mario 3D World by himself and just discovered the Galaxy games. There will be plenty of time for him to play horror games when he's older and if he's interested in it.

 

[Servbot24]

Probably not til they're 13 or so. I'm fine with kids being scared, and would even say it's good for them. However I wouldn't want them exposed to gore very early on.

 

[Eggiem]

Spookys House of Jump Scares is decently kid friendly I think. I mean my daughter loves it at least but as I've already established she's something of an atypical example. I don't think it technically even has a rating though since it's free, I could be wrong on that though.

That's a great example. We need more of those games.

 

[Correctomundo]

Two of them are adults, so obviously I wouldn't let them anywhere near a horror game of course. My youngest is 16 as of today, but even then, yes.

 

[danmaku]

I don't know if I'm over protective or if I should trust kids more, but I had nightmares as a kid because of Nightmare on Elm Street and a few other movies that my brother watched, and even though the memories of the fear are fun in retrospect, well it wasn't fun at the time so I don't wish that for my (future) kids, even if it's harmless in the long run.

As a kid I had nightmares because of Darby O'Gill and the Little People lol. I had trouble sleeping and avoided any kind of horror movie until I was much older. When I was about 14 (iirc) I got a Blockbuster card, rented a ton of horror movies and loved them.

 

[Horseticuffs]

When I was ten, my aunt just randomly started popping in various horror movies too like A Nightmare on Elm Street and Dawn of the Dead; both of which were pretty gruesome for their time.



My aunt simply didn't seem to give a fuck, and after she saw that the first movie didn't phase me, she would rent a new one each weekend that I visited her. I'd also watch a show called Nightmare Theater, which was hosted by a character named Sammy Terry, that featured an older horror movie on a public TV station every Friday night. My mother took me to see Aliens when I was thirteen.

Your aunt sounds like an awesome lady! Same thing here with the weekends. I'm a weekend dad and finding the perfect movie to rent is always a fun job. I'm seriously considering Predator soon. My youngest heard about it doing research for school about predators and prey and now she's really wanting to see the movie.

 

[Big Nikus]

As a kid I had nightmares because of Darby O'Gill and the Little People lol. I had trouble sleeping and avoided any kind of horror movie until I was much older. When I was about 14 (iirc) I got a Blockbuster card, rented a ton of horror movies and loved them.

lol, I was still too much of a wimp to watch horror movies alone when I was 17. Eventually it pissed me off so much to be scared that I forced myself to sit down and play Silent Hill 1 and 2 alone in the dark with a headset. Scariest experience of my life, I can tell you, but since then I can enjoy horror movies and games normally !

 

[Budi]

Funny that this topic popped up now. (Actually no since Halloween is coming). But I was just today wondering at work when there were people making Halloween decorations for kids if they were too creepy. Zombie babies raising from the grave, seemed quite grim and disturbing to me. But apparently I was only one questioning if they were bit too much. So maybe I'm overly sensitive. But it reminded me of crib deaths or even abortions. (not against abortions btw, but it's not nice imagery to look at.)

I consumed some horror media as a kid. Phantasmagoria gave me nightmares and I'm not sure if related but I was scared of the dark for a long time. I used night light until I was a teen. If I had kids, I would keep them in age approriate entertainment. Not till they are 18 ofcourse. But let's say 12-13. Nothing too graphic before that, I'd rather give them something educational or something that challenges their thinking a bit or gives different perspective. So in that sense I wouldn't treat them just as kids, but rather show them respect and have discussions about things that might be considered as "adult things, you don't need to bother with it". But I don't see that there's much to gain for children in horror. It can be fun sure, but so is playing Mario etc.

 

[Spectone]

I don't let my kids play horror games. When they get older 14+ they can choose for themselves. My youngest is 8 and gets afraid of zombies after playing minecraft.

 

[petran79]

Lol I was just trying to illustrate just how disapproving of her playing Senran Kagura I'd be bro. I have no intention of letting her play a game where an aborted fetus speaks and cries and you hear yourself murdering your wife in a bath tub my man, no worries haha.

Regarding Japanese games that would be fit for Halloween without crossing the limits with fanservice, Death Smiles would be better. Some stages do carry Halloween atmosphere. You can even buy doll toys that resemble the witch character archetype. Design is very good for most characters.

Though this game was made with older players in mind

 

[Icefire1424]

Well, my daughter is two at the moment, so not just yet.

Years down the road however? If it's something she enjoys, absolutely. I loved Resident Evil, and Silent Hill and stuff like that when I was younger. Still do.

...we've just got awhile before she would be playing any of those games.

 

[Neptonic]

Parents let their kids play Sonic Boom, so yes.