Talk to your children about GTA and other adult games now

Already in December 2024, a teaser was released. A year later, another one came out. The teaser trailer suggests that there will likely be just as much violence and sex in the next version of the video game Grand Theft Auto (GTA).

GTA 5 was released in 2013. Version 6 will be launched in May 26 2026.

Before the new version comes out, discussions about morality, values and the game's depiction of violence and sex are likely to arise. This debate emerges whenever the game developer Rockstar Games releases a trailer or new version of the action-adventure game Grand Theft Auto (GTA).

Groundbreaking and dark game

"GTA is a groundbreaking game in terms of new uses of technology and storytelling. But it is also groundbreakingly dark and dystopian, which is why it is rated as an adult game with an 18+ age limit," says Niamh Ní Bhroin.

She is an associate professor at the University of Agder (UiA) and a specialist in children's and young people's screen use.

"GTA is a game where violence, sex and casino games will give you advantages. It presents a highly caricatured or grotesque version of reality. It is meant for adults who can tell the difference between reality and fiction," Ní Bhroin says.

Ní Bhroin recommends that parents talk to their children now.

"Have the conversation with your children about adult games now. Parents need to take charge and set boundaries for what children should have access to," she says.

Here are the expert’s five tips for talking with your children:

1. Respect the age limits on games; 18+ games are intended for adults. Parents should principally follow the age limits set by PEGI. On pegi.info, you can find professional justifications for the age rating of various games. Age classifications are assessed based on risks such as exposure to violent and sexual content as well as opportunities for spending money and gambling.

2. Familiarize yourself with your children's video games. Parents should understand the risks children and young people are exposed to if they choose to ignore age limits and how this might affect others in their peer group.

3. Talk to other parents about common approaches to adult video games.

4. Parents can and should talk to other parents, for example through Parents ' Advisory Committees or similar groups. Discuss how to develop joint strategies to ensure children and young people aren't pressured into playing games intended for adults.

5. Play with your children and talk about experiencing exclusion or bullying. Parents should talk with their children about their experiences in games. Are they dealing with exclusion, problematic content or other pressures? The best way to find out is to spend a few hours playing with them. Be open to the possibility that games suitable for children and young people can be a smart way to learn and to cooperate with others. Parents should be open to the fact that children and young people experience many opportunities when playing games. Mainly in terms of entertainment. But it is also about social interaction, solving problems together and gaining a sense of mastery.

The industry provides information on pegi.info

PEGI is an abbreviation for Pan-European Game Information. Over 35 countries in Europe participate in the scheme, including Norway.

"PEGI and the industry set age ratings for video games. Big companies like Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo support it. The same goes for game sellers and developers," says the researcher.

PEGI's website is pegi.info. Anyone can find an overview of age limits and content in various video games here. Even active players refer to pegi.info. Barnevakten.no and the Norwegian Media Authority also recommend the site.

"GTA is rated for adults and has an 18+ age limit," says Ní Bhroin.

PEGI explains the rating by stating that the game contains strong language and unprovoked violence. Players are also encouraged to gamble during the game.

Ní Bhroin says there can be good reasons to create games that present some sort of distorted reality by using satire and exaggerations.

"But such games are often meant for adults," she says.

46 per cent violate the age limit

According to the latest figures from the Norwegian Media Authority, GTA isn't among the top three most popular games. But the game still gets mentioned among the popular ones.
The Media Authority's survey also shows that over 46 per cent of children under 18 play video games with a higher age rating ('Barn og medier 2024').
Ní Bhroin doesn't know if most children lie about their age when downloading GTA.
"It's more likely that parents have allowed their children to play GTA. Parents then need to monitor if money is being deducted from the bank card linked to the subscription," she says.

She thinks it might be easy for those under 18 to persuade parents to buy and download GTA.

"The game isn't too expensive to purchase. GTA 5 now costs between 200-400 kroner. But that's just the entry ticket. Once you've bought it, you're encouraged to buy mystery packs, new weapons, new cars and gamble in the game's casino," says Ní Bhroin.

Peer pressure and bullying

"We are all influenced by each other and try to follow the example of the coolest and brightest in our circle of friends. But for kids and young people it's especially hard to deal with such pressure," Ní Bhroin says.

The trendsetters often have the latest and toughest games.

"In the game, the pressure continues. Some may have bought better items, which help them reach higher levels in the game. This also creates pressure," says Ní Bhroin.

She refers to previous discussions about the game Roblox. It was very clear who had an avatar with a free, basic look and who could afford to buy a more customized one.

"You quickly notice if someone is playing with a free avatar and minimal extras. This can lead to pressure and even bullying of those with free avatars. These are things parents should be aware of," Ní Bhroin says. AlphaGalileo/SP