How we decided on Grand Theft Auto

Our safety checks

Grand Theft Auto fails 3 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) and Common Sense Media. Rule 2

3. Can you stop strangers contacting your child?

   ✗ Not confirmed

   GTA has no parental controls of its own. Console settings can restrict voice chat and messages, but we couldn’t confirm from Rockstar that they cover everything in GTA Online. Rule 3

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

   ✗ No

   Still high risk with every control on: violence, sex and drugs. Rule 4

5. Is its child-safety record clear?

   ✓ Yes

   We searched for regulator, government and court action over child safety against Rockstar Games and Take-Two in October 2026 and found none. Rule 5

6. Can you stop all spending?

   ✓ Yes

   In-game money is bought through the PlayStation, Xbox or PC store, and each lets parents require approval for purchases. Microsoft’s Xbox setting is one example. Rule 6Source

7. Is everything checked before children see it?

   ! No

   Players can publish their own races and missions in GTA Online for others to play. Rockstar features some, but we couldn’t confirm the rest are checked. So the best we can say is “only with conditions”. Rule 7