Game of Thrones-How old should you be to watch it?

[AustinTink]

She's 13. And I don't restrict what she watches now. She doesn't watch GOT, but it's because she isn't comfortable with it.

Your 13-year old can watch R-rated content with simulated sex, violence and gore? Just wondering. Maybe I'm sheltered, but none of my friends with teens allow them to watch r-rated content, especially not at 13.

 

[SpecialK]

My son was 15 when he started the books and 16 when he started watching the series.

 

[Alesia]

Your 13-year old can watch R-rated content with simulated sex, violence and gore? Just wondering. Maybe I'm sheltered, but none of my friends with teens allow them to watch r-rated content, especially not at 13.

She could if she wanted to. She's not comfortable with it, though, so she doesn't. She's pretty good at determining what she's ready for. Maybe the fact that it isn't taboo here has taken away the allure of the forbidden.

 

[wvjules]

Looks like I'm going to start watching Game of Thrones.

 

[ZephyrHawk]

Your 13-year old can watch R-rated content with simulated sex, violence and gore? Just wondering. Maybe I'm sheltered, but none of my friends with teens allow them to watch r-rated content, especially not at 13.

You're not sheltered, your friends just share your values and opinions. Which is to be expected.

For what it's worth, I watched R rated stuff when I was 13, and yet grew into a healthy, contributing member of society.

 

[AustinTink]

You're not sheltered, your friends just share your values and opinions. Which is to be expected.

For what it's worth, I watched R rated stuff when I was 13, and yet grew into a healthy, contributing member of society.

Very true. I watched the same stuff at 13. And, I came through it alright.

My husband's parent were hippies, very liberal and open, and allowed him to watch everything under the sun from a much, much younger age. Oddly, or maybe not so odd, he is much more strict than I am about my son's viewing habits. He remembers feeling so uncomfortable around his folks when those movies were on, or worse going to the theater for R movies at age 8. Regardless, he turned out pretty ok too.

 

[HannaBelle]

I would categorize it under soft porn as well. My DS20 wanted to watch it with me and I was uncomfortable with that idea. I told him would have to watch without me present...lol… No way do I want to watch sex scenes with my kids.

I am in the process of reading the books, but I feel that the sex scenes in the book are less graphic than the ones in the TV series. I debating letting my DD15 read the books but opted not to at this point. IMHO, we are more conservative that the average posters on the DIS.

 

[ilovepcot]

Looks like I'm going to start watching Game of Thrones.

Yeah, I thought the same thing after reading this thread. Downloaded the first season and began watching last night. Hate it! It really did sound like just the kind of thing DH and I would like.

 

[MrsDuck]

On the flip-side I was NEVER allowed to watch any PG-13 movies until I was 13 and was NEVER allowed to see any R movies until I was 17. Yet, I still knew what was what. I was exposed to violence, language, drugs, and sex without those movies. Just throwing that out there.

I am not a parent and I'm not sure what I'd do in the situation but as I wrote previously, I'd probably let a high schooler watch it.

 

[anelson81993]

I am a huge fan of the GoT books, and an average fan of the TV show (the show's not as good as the books in my opinion, but that's off topic...)

There is no way I would have been allowed to read the series at 16, if I asked permission. By 16, I stopped asking permission for books to read, and my parents stopped checking up on what I was reading. I read a lot and test very highly in reading comprehension, so I have been reading adult books since middle school or so--I imagine my parents simply got tired of trying to keep up with what exactly I was reading.

A coworker passed along his copies of the GoT books to me earlier this year, and I really loved them. But there is a ton of explicit content in the books. Obviously, the TV show is worse, and they add in even more explicit content just for the fun of it (I'd say approximately 1/3 of the sex/nudity scenes in the show weren't in the books). At 16, my parents were still paying attention to what I watched on TV and the movies I saw, and there is no chance in hell they would ever let me watch it, under any circumstances.

Honestly? I'm almost 20 years old, but living at home while attending school. If my parents knew what the books/shows were and that I was reading/watching them, they'd still be uncomfortable with it, though I don't think they'd outright ban it in their home anymore, at least for me (they would for my 16-year-old sister). My parents simply don't enjoy that kind of entertainment, and they wanted to raise us the same way. And to a point, I agree--the sex in the show almost gets to the point of porn, and I often skip over the sex scenes, since I know when some of them are coming up because I read the books. But the books are really good, and the show is too, and so I put up with all the content I don't like because I find the content I do like interesting.

This would be my suggestion: Have him watch one or two episodes--with you. Then let him decide if he'd like to continue watching the show with you, or whether he'd like to wait a few more years.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

My DS who is 16 is once again begging us to watch Game of Thrones. We have repeatedly told him no in the past. I do not watch it but I have heard it is adult viewing to say the least. My husband has allowed him to read the first two books but has said he feels the tv show is more graphic, etc.

What do you guys think? Is 16 old enough or should he wait until he is around 18 or older? I can't decide if we are being too strict or making too big a deal out of it.

I would let him but I am more liberal. By 16 I don't monitor TV shows.

It is really just a personal thing in your own family.

I have seen the first couple of episodes and it is a good show. Yea there is sex in it. Not sure I would watch it with him.

 

[Kimberlyann11]

DD 15 could watch it if she wanted - but she doesn't have any desire to. And she's a mature 15.

 

[momto3gr8boys]

Yeah, I thought the same thing after reading this thread. Downloaded the first season and began watching last night. Hate it! It really did sound like just the kind of thing DH and I would like.

I think you hit the nail on the head. We are not talking "fun" sex here.

My kids haven't asked to see it, but we don't watch it in the family room or when they are around. If the older two asked, my concern would not be that there is sex OR violence, but that there is so much sexual violence. The sex in GoT is incredibly demeaning and mostly glorifies violence towards women at worst and women as objects at best. It's far more complex of a process to sort through over say, American Pie or any film where sex is portrayed as more curiosity or consensual between two (unrelated lol) adults. So in my book it's not an across the board decision of yes they can watch a movie with sex or violence as it is specific to the type of sex and violence. And it would require discussion to point out to a teen who is just discovering the world of sex that it is not ok to treat something good and positive in a negative way. I'm no prude, but some of the scenes in GoT make me cringe....it's much harder for the psyche of a 15 year old to sort through that. And I'm not sure as a parent I want to delve into the very emotional specifics of all that while watching tv, and I'm sure my boys wouldn't either lol.

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[Christine]

I think you hit the nail on the head. We are not talking "fun" sex here.

My kids haven't asked to see it, but we don't watch it in the family room or when they are around. If the older two asked, my concern would not be that there is sex OR violence, but that there is so much sexual violence. The sex in GoT is incredibly demeaning and mostly glorifies violence towards women at worst and women as objects at best. It's far more complex of a process to sort through over say, American Pie or any film where sex is portrayed as more curiosity or consensual between two (unrelated lol) adults. So in my book it's not an across the board decision of yes they can watch a movie with sex or violence as it is specific to the type of sex and violence. And it would require discussion to point out to a teen who is just discovering the world of sex that it is not ok to treat something good and positive in a negative way. I'm no prude, but some of the scenes in GoT make me cringe....it's much harder for the psyche of a 15 year old to sort through that. And I'm not sure as a parent I want to delve into the very emotional specifics of all that while watching tv, and I'm sure my boys wouldn't either lol.

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One thing you also have to keep in mind regarding the above: while GoT is a "fantasy" type show; i.e., not really historical fiction in any sense, it does presume to take place during a time in our world's history where women were not worth much and war was fought hand-to-hand with axes, swingballs (not sure of their real name??), knives, arrows. Jousting is done for fun, and judgement and punishment for crimes is swift and exacting.

So, when I see people (not necessarily the post above but throughout this thread) describe the violence as gratuitous or over the top, when I put it all in the frame of reference for the time period, I don't really think it is out of the ordinary. GoT takes place during "wars" and there are tons of battles going on all the time.

With the exception of the wealthy and royalty, women were worth nothing more than property. They were not considered sexual equals and, so, in the show there is evidence of that. Prostitution within each kingdom was widely accepted and used and women were mostly expected to submit to the whim of men.

The upside of GoT is that I do think they capture that period of human history quite well and what I *really* love about it is the ongoing development of some wonderful characters such as Tyrion Lanister, all of the Starks, even "Dog." And who doesn't love to hate Joffrey?

 

[mtemm]

I think you hit the nail on the head. We are not talking "fun" sex here.

My kids haven't asked to see it, but we don't watch it in the family room or when they are around. If the older two asked, my concern would not be that there is sex OR violence, but that there is so much sexual violence. The sex in GoT is incredibly demeaning and mostly glorifies violence towards women at worst and women as objects at best. It's far more complex of a process to sort through over say, American Pie or any film where sex is portrayed as more curiosity or consensual between two (unrelated lol) adults. So in my book it's not an across the board decision of yes they can watch a movie with sex or violence as it is specific to the type of sex and violence. And it would require discussion to point out to a teen who is just discovering the world of sex that it is not ok to treat something good and positive in a negative way. I'm no prude, but some of the scenes in GoT make me cringe....it's much harder for the psyche of a 15 year old to sort through that. And I'm not sure as a parent I want to delve into the very emotional specifics of all that while watching tv, and I'm sure my boys wouldn't either lol.

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Well said! Nothing more to add to the above other than my kids are young, eldest is DS11, so this isn't something we have to think about for a while. I'm not sure what age I would allow the kids to watch it. DH & I both watch it, but don't watch it together. I watch it on dvr so I can fast forward past the really gruesome scenes.

 

[momto3gr8boys]

One thing you also have to keep in mind regarding the above: while GoT is a "fantasy" type show; i.e., not really historical fiction in any sense, it does presume to take place during a time in our world's history where women were not worth much and war was fought hand-to-hand with axes, swingballs (not sure of their real name??), knives, arrows. Jousting is done for fun, and judgement and punishment for crimes is swift and exacting.

So, when I see people (not necessarily the post above but throughout this thread) describe the violence as gratuitous or over the top, when I put it all in the frame of reference for the time period, I don't really think it is out of the ordinary. GoT takes place during "wars" and there are tons of battles going on all the time.

With the exception of the wealthy and royalty, women were worth nothing more than property. They were not considered sexual equals and, so, in the show there is evidence of that. Prostitution within each kingdom was widely accepted and used and women were mostly expected to submit to the whim of men.

The upside of GoT is that I do think they capture that period of human history quite well and what I *really* love about it is the ongoing development of some wonderful characters such as Tyrion Lanister, all of the Starks, even "Dog." And who doesn't love to hate Joffrey?

I agree with everything you said. And as two adults we could discuss and appreciate the historical impact on this show. The fantasy aspect is what makes it ok to watch and enjoy, as I highly doubt anyone on this thread would be ok with the content if this were real.

But my point is still that of what an adult can understand and process is not what a 15 year old can. Even a mature one. Their brains have not yet fully developed rational judgement and decision making, and that portion of the brain does not fully develop until the mid-twenties.

I was reading a thread the other day where people said their teens can stay home alone, etc, but certain things such as using the stove when alone is off limits (understandable...kids do dumb things because they aren't adults yet). But it's interesting to me that parents will be overprotective to prevent physical harm to their teens, but then not really think about the emotional harm that can come from overexposure to adult movies/themes/visuals, etc.

I have a friend who I feel is way too "open" with her kids (ages 14, 12 and 10). She will use bad language, talk about sex, discuss the adult problems going on in her family, etc. just overall inappropriate IMO. Her FIL passed away on Sunday. When I went to the wake, her oldest was there, but not the other two. We asked where they were and her response was, "oh, they're too young to see this." I was like what?? The week before they were watching the unedited version of the Blurred Lines video, but they weren't mature enough to handle a wake. Different strokes....

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[Christine]

I agree with everything you said. And as two adults we could discuss and appreciate the historical impact on this show. The fantasy aspect is what makes it ok to watch and enjoy, as I highly doubt anyone on this thread would be ok with the content if this were real.

But my point is still that of what an adult can understand and process is not what a 15 year old can. Even a mature one. Their brains have not yet fully developed rational judgement and decision making, and that portion of the brain does not fully develop until the mid-twenties.

I was reading a thread the other day where people said their teens can stay home alone, etc, but certain things such as using the stove when alone is off limits (understandable...kids do dumb things because they aren't adults yet). But it's interesting to me that parents will be overprotective to prevent physical harm to their teens, but then not really think about the emotional harm that can come from overexposure to adult movies/themes/visuals, etc.

I have a friend who I feel is way too "open" with her kids (ages 14, 12 and 10). She will use bad language, talk about sex, discuss the adult problems going on in her family, etc. just overall inappropriate IMO. Her FIL passed away on Sunday. When I went to the wake, her oldest was there, but not the other two. We asked where they were and her response was, "oh, they're too young to see this." I was like what?? The week before they were watching the unedited version of the Blurred Lines video, but they weren't mature enough to handle a wake. Different strokes....

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I defnitely agree on the brain maturing thing. I've watched it happen with both of my kids (one is almost 22 and my youngest is 18). That said, I did let my son start GoT at 17. He had been watching stuff before that, though, like Dexter. He's always been fairly mature with most stuff and he's been playing XBox video games for years (which, honestly, can be worse than most TV shows). I think it would have been odd for me to forbid TV shows yet let him play most of his XBox games. And actually, he watched Rome a long time ago. He was pretty young and it had some graphic parts. I knew back then when they were coming and I would fast forward through them but, let's face it, he stills saw some things. He sort of digs those historical shows. He watches The Borgias on his own.

I do get what you are saying about consistency though. If you are going to restrict some things and not the others, they what are you doing? I did allow my kids to use the stove (gas, at that) alone when they were about 12 years old. I do agree that it can be odd where parents choose to helicopter and where they choose not too!

 

[Justmeandnooneelse]

One thing you also have to keep in mind regarding the above: while GoT is a "fantasy" type show; i.e., not really historical fiction in any sense, it does presume to take place during a time in our world's history where women were not worth much and war was fought hand-to-hand with axes, swingballs (not sure of their real name??), knives, arrows. Jousting is done for fun, and judgement and punishment for crimes is swift and exacting.

So, when I see people (not necessarily the post above but throughout this thread) describe the violence as gratuitous or over the top, when I put it all in the frame of reference for the time period, I don't really think it is out of the ordinary. GoT takes place during "wars" and there are tons of battles going on all the time.

With the exception of the wealthy and royalty, women were worth nothing more than property. They were not considered sexual equals and, so, in the show there is evidence of that. Prostitution within each kingdom was widely accepted and used and women were mostly expected to submit to the whim of men.

The upside of GoT is that I do think they capture that period of human history quite well and what I *really* love about it is the ongoing development of some wonderful characters such as Tyrion Lanister, all of the Starks, even "Dog." And who doesn't love to hate Joffrey?

"Our world's history"? When in history did we have dragons, zombies, etc.? Where is Westeros?

Here I always thought GoT took place in an imaginary world.

 

[Christine]

"Our world's history"? When in history did we have dragons, zombies, etc.? Where is Westeros?

Here I always thought GoT took place in an imaginary world.

I think you missed my point. I stated it was fantasy. But if you look at the people in the show, look at their manner of dress, their weaponry, the type of food they are eating, dishware, style housing/bedding, etc., well those things are "real" and they are part of the more medieval time period in world history. Now, I'm not historian so I probably even got THAT wrong, but there's no doubt that the timing of GoT is during a period of "real" world history.

I don't really see any fantasy type weapons, homes, transportation vehicles ...

 

[Justmeandnooneelse]

I think you missed my point. I stated it was fantasy. But if you look at the people in the show, look at their manner of dress, their weaponry, the type of food they are eating, dishware, style housing/bedding, etc., well those things are "real" and they are part of the more medieval time period in world history. Now, I'm not historian so I probably even got THAT wrong, but there's no doubt that the timing of GoT is during a period of "real" world history.

I don't really see any fantasy type weapons, homes, transportation vehicles ...

I didn't miss your point. But you're wrong, if you think Westeros is our world, and that this is "our world's history".

And who is to say that Westeros is taking place in a "real" world history? It could be our world's future. Or, taking place right now, on another world.

I thought that GoT took place in another world, at who knows what time? 2,000,000,00 of our years from now? Right now, in a parallel universe? The fact that that world also developed similar styles of clothing, weaponry etc., means nothing. That world also developed a way to create The Wall. And what we would call magic.

Just because it has jousting, like our Middle Ages, doesn't mean it's our world. Good Lord.