Grand Theft Auto Online Safety Guide for Parents
Why GTA Online is not appropriate for under-18s — graphic content, voice chat with adults, in-game gambling, and what to do if your child is already playing.
Official age
18+
We recommend
18+
Developer
Rockstar Games
Risks
4
Overview
Grand Theft Auto Online is the multiplayer component of Grand Theft Auto V, developed by Rockstar Games and rated PEGI 18. It is an open-world online game set in a fictional version of Los Angeles, where players can complete missions, own businesses, and engage in free-roam activities. The game contains sustained graphic violence, sexual content, strong language, drug use, and in-game gambling mechanics. Despite its age rating, it is widely played by children and teenagers, and parents are often unaware that it contains more extreme content than its predecessor games.
How children use it
Children typically access GTA Online through older siblings or friends who own GTA V. They play in open lobbies with adults from around the world, using voice chat to communicate. Many children are drawn in by the open-world freedom, money-making mechanics, and the social aspect of playing with friends. The game has in-game casinos with simulated gambling using in-game currency, and a Shark Card system for real-money purchases.
Main risks
Recommended privacy settings
Lobby Settings
Location: GTA Online → Pause Menu → Online → Options
Set to: Invite Only or Crew Only sessions
Open public lobbies place your child in a game with adults from around the world. Restricting to invite-only or crew sessions limits contact to known players only.
Voice Chat
Location: Console parental controls → Communication
Set to: Restricted or off
Voice chat in GTA Online frequently includes extreme language, racist abuse, and adult content. Console-level communication restrictions are the most effective control.
Parent actions
Check whether your child has access to GTA V or GTA Online, including via a shared console in the house
Time: 10 minutes
If your child is playing, set console parental controls to restrict communication and consider whether to remove access to the game entirely given the PEGI 18 rating
Time: 20 minutes
Have a calm, non-alarmist conversation with your child about why GTA Online is rated 18 and what makes it different from games rated for younger players
Time: 20 minutes