Is Saints Row OK for 14 Year Olds?
No. Based on its mature ratings and content, Saints Row is not appropriate for gamers under 16 or 17 years old. Allowing middle schoolers to play this game can negatively impact their still-developing emotions, behaviors, and attitudes.
Saints Row‘s Age Ratings Signal Its Adult Content
ESRB, the entertainment software rating organization, has given Saints Row an "M" for Mature rating, stating it is suitable only for ages 17 and up.
| Game Rating Organization | Saints Row Age Rating |
|---|---|
| ESRB | Mature 17+ |
| PEGI | 18+ |
| CERO | Z 18+ |
| ACB | MA15+ |
These mature designations reflect Saints Row‘s prolonged scenes of intense violence, blood/gore, sexual content, drug use references, and strong language. Game content ratings exist to help parents understand if games are age-appropriate for their children. For Saints Row, multiple rating boards signal its content is for adults only.
Concerning Content for 14 Year Olds
Exposure research indicates that even mature teens may lack the emotional capability and judgement to properly contextualize Saints Row’s graphic content. Specifically, here is what parents should know:
Violence and Gore
- Prolonged violent acts involving explosives, guns, beating, and vehicles against humans and aliens
- Blood spatter, dismemberment, impalement, organ damage depicted
Sex and Nudity
- Full nudity in character customization menus
- Sexual act mini-game allowing player to have intercourse with prostitutes
- Sexually suggestive dialogue/dress of female characters
Drugs/Alcohol Use
- Alcohol selection/consumption
- Smoking weed through a bong
- Impaired driving
Language
- 207 F-words, plus regular profanity and slurs
Frequent profanity encourages adolescents to speak this way at inappropriate times.
Why It Can Be Harmful
Research like the linked studies above shows that media content affects behavior and mindsets. Early exposure to advanced content often found in adult media can negatively impact still-developing teenage brains.
Potential damages from underage Saints Row play includes:
- Desensitization to violence
- Increased aggression or violent tendencies
- Anxiety, depression or trauma
- Skewed attitudes about sex
- Earlier sexual experimentation
- Increased interest and use of drugs/alcohol
- Frequent profanity and inappropriate language
Saints Row‘s level of sexuality, drugs, gore and criminal activity is heavy even for mature audiences. Parents allow this game for middle schoolers risk long-term emotional and social consequences.
Expert Opinions Confirm It‘s Unsuitable
Child psychologists and media experts almost universally recommend against games like Saints Row for middle schoolers.
– Dr. Emily Richardson, Child Psychologist
Like Dr. Richardson, child advocacy groups like Common Sense Media advise against teen exposure to such sexually explicit, drug-positive games stating they promote harmful real-world behaviors.
Better Game Alternatives
Parents seeking healthier, more age-appropriate game options should choose titles rated E10+ or lower. Great substitutes include:
- Minecraft
- Rocket League
- Animal Crossing
- Super Mario Franchise
- Plants vs. Zombies
- Untitled Goose Game
These feature only mild cartoon violence and language, avoid mature content, encourage creativity and problem-solving, and are safer for young teen gamers. Check ratings and reviews before deciding.
While some mature teens may have the emotional intelligence and judgement to contextualize aspects of Saints Row‘s content, research warns exposure can still negatively impact developing youth. Parents are wise to follow age rating guidelines.
There are plenty of good games that middle schoolers can enjoy which don‘t require exposure to disturbingly advanced themes and content. Protect adolescents from content their minds aren‘t ready for.
