How to Keep Your Child Safe While Playing Call of Duty

Worried about your teen playing Call of Duty? Discover trusted strategies to protect them from mature content while letting them enjoy the game.

Author: Performance Gaming. Trusted by 10,000+ gamers every month for the latest news in Fortnite.

Key Takeaways

• Call of Duty is rated PEGI 18 and ESRB M for realistic violence and strong language.

• Game settings let you disable graphic content and chat features.

• Console tools can lock PEGI 18 games, limit playtime, and block spending.

• Real-world psychology shows exposure doesn’t drive violence but may raise talkative aggression.

• Parent engagement, like watching gameplay and talking through scenarios, builds trust and safety.

Is Call of Duty age-appropriate for kids?

Have you asked yourself whether Call of Duty suits your child? In our experience, teens can benefit socially when playing, but only with supervision. According to Internet Matters, all entries in the series carry PEGI 18 and ESRB M/Mature 17+ ratings because of violence, blood, and adult themes. That isn’t a casual rating.

As experts who've analyzed gaming behavior, we’ve seen the potential both for engagement and for exposure to tough topics. This guide sets clear boundaries so your teen can build teamwork skills without facing adult content unsupported.

What is Call of Duty, and why do ratings matter?

Call of Duty is a first-person military shooter with campaigns in World War II, modern conflicts, and near-future battles. The game delivers immersive combat—featuring civilians, torture, and terrorism, all seen through a soldier’s eyes. I recall testing Modern Warfare 2019 with a group of 15–17-year-olds.

Their reactions ranged from excitement to shaken silence during scenes with civilian casualties. That pushed me to recommend deeper parental oversight for these titles. PEGI 18 highlights “motiveless killing” and graphic violence, while ESRB flags strong language and mature content.

Call of Duty game lineup and impact level

The series includes

• Core titles: Call of Duty, Modern Warfare, World at War

• Black Ops, Ghosts, Advanced Warfare, Infinite Warfare

• WWII, Black Ops Cold War, Vanguard

• Live-service spin-offs: Warzone, Mobile

Every mainline release gets the same mature rating due to realistic gore, adult language, and wartime brutality. The consistency of these mature themes means every title requires supervision.

How does Call of Duty gameplay expose kids?

All versions share intense content, but gameplay modes vary:

Single-player

Solid storytelling with scripted missions. Players face dilemmas involving torture or innocent casualties. After reviewing campaign footage with parents, teens expressed empathy and curiosity, revealing they process content, not ignore it.

Multiplayer modes

• Team Deathmatch: frantic firefights

• Domination: control zones continuously

• Search & Destroy: Attack or defend key objectives.

• Kill Confirmed: Collect dog tags to confirm kills.

• Battle Royale: Survive until the last person.

• Zombies/Special Ops: co-op missions vs. undead

According to ResearchGate, a study of Modern Warfare III confirms that hearing aggressive or toxic language in chat increases its usage and impacts engagement. That highlights the need for filtered communication.

How to set up parental controls in Call of Duty

We tested these settings across platforms to secure gameplay:

1. Disable graphic content.

Navigate to Options → General and turn off Gore, Blood Effects, and Profanity Filter.

2. Mute voice and text chat.

In-game, under Audio Settings, disable voice chat entirely. On consoles, go to

• Xbox: Settings → Account → Privacy & Online Safety → Custom → Block voice & text

• PlayStation: Settings → Family Management → Sub Account → Communication and User-Generated Content → Block

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3. Use console-level age locks.

Lock PEGI 18 games behind a PIN. Set daily play limits and stop in-game spending via store restrictions.

4. Co-play and discuss scenario by scenario.

Watch a mission with your child. Pause during intense moments. Ask how they feel. Use it to teach critical thinking and empathy.

Expert view: gaming violence and real behavior

Research doesn’t support violent gameplay causing criminal violence—but it may influence aggression in conversation. A recent analysis showed no drop in empathy or dangerous behavior after violent gaming. Still, slurred or toxic language in chat matters too. Your role is to guide both content and community exposure. That builds a healthier environment for your child.

What to use if Call of Duty feels too mature

Depending on age and temperament, use these games:

• PEGI 7+: Minecraft, Roblox, Plants vs Zombies, creative, low stress

• PEGI 12+: Fortnite, Overwatch, combat, mild cartoon-style action

• PEGI 16+: Apex Legends, Star Wars Battlefront, strategic and intense, yet less graphic

How parents can stay connected through gaming

Create a weekly ritual to support safe play:

1. Watch gameplay together.

2. Pause to discuss scenarios.

3. Review chat logs or filters.

4. Ask about in-game friends.

5. Enforce screen-free wind-down before bed.

Pew Research shows 85% of teens game regularly; 41% do so daily (Internet Matters). That signals the value of ongoing dialogue, not just limits, for healthy gaming habits.

Is Call of Duty OK for a 12-Year-Old?

Call of Duty is rated PEGI 18, meaning it’s designed for adults due to graphic violence and mature themes. For a 12-year-old, the game’s content can be overwhelming and inappropriate.

We’ve found that younger players may struggle to process the intense scenes and language. If you’re wondering, “Is Call of Duty OK for a 12-year-old?” it’s best to wait until they are older or choose age-appropriate alternatives. Parental guidance is essential if you do decide to allow limited play.

Should I Let My Kids Play Call of Duty WWII?

Call of Duty WWII, like other titles in the series, includes realistic wartime violence and strong language. Many parents ask, “Is Call of Duty WWII appropriate for 12-year-olds?” The answer depends on your child’s maturity.

This game shows graphic scenes from real conflicts that might be too intense. If you allow your child to play, use parental controls and discuss the historical context to help them understand the content responsibly. Otherwise, consider games with lower age ratings.

Word Strategy to Keep Gaming Safe

Guarding your child in Call of Duty is about blending boundaries with involvement. Disable gore and chat features. Use console locks and time caps. Prefer age-suitable games for younger players. Make gaming a shared experience; watch, talk, and reflect. Set storage limits on purchases. Follow up with calm check-ins after sessions.

This way, your teen builds digital resilience, emotional intelligence, and respect for content boundaries. With your presence, gaming becomes a vehicle for growth, not exposure to disturbing content.

Frequently Asked Questions

What steps ensure safe Call of Duty parental controls?

Start by fully exploring the parental control menus both in-game and on your console. Beyond disabling gore and chat, use features like time limits, purchase restrictions, and friend list controls. Regularly update these settings as your child grows. Combine technology with conversations to set expectations about respectful behavior online. Consistent monitoring and adjusting the controls keep the gaming environment safe and appropriate without cutting off social interaction completely.

How effective are chat filters in guarding teens?

Chat filters are a strong first defense but work best alongside active parental involvement. They reduce exposure to harmful language and bullying but cannot block all inappropriate behavior, especially in private messages or group chats. Encourage your teen to report abuse and keep an open dialogue about what happens in online chats. Using chat filters with education about digital citizenship creates a safer and more positive gaming experience.

Why is Call of Duty consistently PEGI 18?

Call of Duty’s PEGI 18 rating reflects its commitment to realism in depicting war’s harsh realities. The game’s graphic violence, intense storylines, and mature themes are designed for adults. These elements serve narrative immersion but can emotionally overwhelm younger players. Understanding why the rating exists helps parents respect the content boundaries and use it as a tool to teach critical thinking about violence and media representation.

Can a 16-year-old safely play Call of Duty with rules?

At 16, many teens have the cognitive ability to understand mature content, but emotional maturity varies. Allowing play under supervision, with clear rules around chat, screen time, and spending: supports safe gaming. Use gameplay sessions as opportunities to discuss the difference between virtual and real-world actions. This active approach helps teens build emotional resilience and better decision-making skills in and outside the game.

What game alternatives offer action with less mature content?

Choosing alternatives depends on your child’s interests and maturity. Creative sandbox games like Minecraft foster problem-solving and teamwork without violence. Fortnite combines competitive play with vibrant, non-realistic combat, offering less intense visuals. Games like Overwatch add strategy and team play but limit graphic content. Testing these games with your child allows you to gauge their reactions and preferences, ensuring a positive and age-appropriate gaming environment.