How we decided on Call of Duty

Our safety checks

Call of Duty fails 4 of our 7 safety checks. We apply the same strict rules to every app and game.

1. Could we confirm every fact?

   ✗ No

   We couldn’t confirm 1 fact below, so it counts as a no. Rule 1

2. Is your child old enough for the official ratings?

   ! Only from 18

   Rated 18+ by PEGI (UK & Europe), Apple App Store and Common Sense Media. Rule 2

3. Can you stop strangers contacting your child?

   ✗ Not confirmed

   Your child can switch voice and text chat back on in the game’s own settings. Console and PC family settings can restrict chat, but we couldn’t confirm from Activision that they cover every way to talk in Call of Duty. Rule 3Source

4. Is every risk under control once settings are on?

   ✗ No

   Still high risk with every control on: realistic violence. Rule 4

5. Is its child-safety record clear?

   ✗ No

   Missouri’s Attorney General is pressing Microsoft, which owns Activision, over predators targeting children on Xbox, where many children play Call of Duty. Rule 5Source

6. Can you stop all spending?

   ✓ Yes

   Every purchase goes through Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Apple or Google stores. Microsoft lets parents require approval for every purchase on Xbox, and the other stores need their own approval settings switched on. Rule 6Source

7. Is everything checked before children see it?

   ✓ Yes

   Players can’t publish their own maps or games. ESRB’s listing flags chat and purchases, but no player-made content. Rule 7Source