Is Call of Duty Mobile Game Suitable for Kids? [Age Ratings]

Call of Duty Mobile, also known as CODM, is a tactical first-person shooter online multiplayer game that has gained immense popularity worldwide. However, when it comes to determining whether CODM is suitable for kids, there are several factors to consider. In this article, we will delve into the age rating, safety concerns, and overall suitability of CODM for children.

The Age Rating and Safety Concerns

The makers of Call of Duty Mobile have officially given the game an age rating of 16+.
Net Aware, a website run in partnership with O2, has given CODM an overall safety rating of poor.

Due to its PEGI 16 rating, the game does not have parental controls, which can be a concern for parents.

The Recommended Age Group

Here’s the recommended age group:

Call of Duty Mobile is recommended for individuals who are 18 years and older.

While younger kids are technically allowed to play the game, it is important to consider the content and themes that the game presents.

The Suitability for Children

Suitability matters:

In an ideal world, CODM is absolutely not suitable for children.

The game’s age rating of 16+ and the fact that Activision categorizes it as 17+ clearly indicate that it is intended for mature audiences.
Just like movies and TV shows, games have ratings, and Call of Duty Mobile falls under the category of Mature 17+ as determined by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).
The ESRB cites reasons such as “blood, drug reference, intense violence, language” for the rating.

Safety Concerns and Live Contact with Strangers

CODM is listed in the Smart Social Red Zone, indicating that it is not recommended for tweens and teens.
One of the primary concerns is the easy access to live contact with strangers within the game.
This aspect raises concerns about potential exposure to inappropriate content and interactions.

Graphics Content Filter and Gameplay Features

Call of Duty games, including CODM, provide a Graphic Content filter that can be toggled on.
Enabling this filter will remove explicit content such as blood, gore, and adult language.
However, it is important to note that the core gameplay of CODM still revolves around intense and violent action.

Lack of Age Verification and Potential Exposure

One significant drawback is the absence of age verification in CODM.
As a result, younger children may gain access to the game, which can expose them to content that may not be appropriate for their age.
The gameplay itself can be very intense and violent, potentially causing distress or negatively impacting a child’s emotional well-being.

Text Chat and Communication Features

During gameplay, CODM provides pre-defined messages for text chat, such as “well done” and “thanks.”
While this limits open communication, it is important to recognize that interactions with other players can still occur, and these interactions may not always be positive or suitable for children.

In conclusion, Call of Duty Mobile is not designed for kids. Its age rating, safety concerns, and content make it clear that the game is intended for mature audiences. Parents should exercise caution when considering whether or not to allow their children to play CODM, taking into account the violence, potential exposure to inappropriate content and interactions, and the lack of age verification. It is crucial to prioritize the well-being and safety of children when making decisions about their gaming experiences.