With the release of Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) scheduled for November 19th, many parents may encounter their children asking to play a title that is not appropriate for their age.
In Brazil, the new Rockstar Games title has an age rating for those 18 and older due to the presence of elements such as violence, drug use, inappropriate language, and sexual references. This rating serves as a guide for families to assess whether the content is suitable for the players' age group.
Beyond the purchasing decision, experts emphasize the importance of maintaining conversations with children and adolescents about the material they consume and the inherent dangers of the digital environment.
Marco Giroto, founder of SuperGeeks, a school specializing in technology, argues that the responsibility of guardians must go beyond the game's popularity. According to him, by justifying the reasons for a restriction, parents help children and adolescents develop a more conscious stance regarding technology.
Giroto states that instead of simply banning something, explaining why a limit exists teaches children that technological access implies responsibility. The general recommendation is for parents to familiarize themselves with the game's content in advance, check the age rating, and establish rules compatible with the age.
It is crucial to pay attention to digital functionalities. On platforms that allow user interaction, minors should be advised not to disclose personal data, to be wary of suspicious links, and to seek an adult if they receive uncomfortable messages or approaches.
Digital transactions also require vigilance. Setting passwords, requiring permission for payments, and monitoring expenses helps prevent unplanned purchases.
Since March 2026, the Digital Statute of the Child and Adolescent (ECA Digital), established by Law No. 15.211/2025, implements norms to reinforce the protection of minors in the digital environment. This statute covers topics such as age verification mechanisms, privacy, parental supervision, and limitations on certain commercial practices.
The legislation also prohibits the use of paid reward boxes (loot boxes) in games intended for or accessible by children. However, this does not mean that the ECA Digital automatically prevents minors from playing titles rated for ages 18 and over, as the rating and legal obligations have distinct purposes.
For Giroto, although parental controls are useful, they do not replace family dialogue. He clarifies that parental control features are auxiliary but work best within a relationship of trust, as young people need to know they can turn to guardians when encountering inappropriate content or a situation they do not know how to resolve.
Thus, the arrival of GTA 6 may represent an opportunity to discuss not only which games are suitable for each stage of life, but also how children and adolescents interact with digital platforms and identify risks.
