Understanding Age Ratings
What PEGI, App Store, and Google Play age ratings actually mean — and why they are not the whole story.
What age ratings mean
Age ratings indicate the minimum age at which content is considered suitable based on themes like violence, language, sexual content, and fear. They are designed to help parents make informed decisions. However, they assess content — not interactivity, social features, or online contact risks.
PEGI ratings (games)
PEGI (Pan European Game Information) rates video games from 3 to 18. PEGI 3 means suitable for all ages. PEGI 7 may contain mild violence or scary scenes. PEGI 12 includes more realistic violence or mild sexual content. PEGI 16 includes mature themes. PEGI 18 is for adults only. Content descriptors (icons) show specific types of content: violence, bad language, fear, sex, drugs, discrimination, gambling, and online play.
App Store ratings (Apple)
Apple uses its own rating system: 4+, 9+, 12+, and 17+. These are based on self-reporting by app developers and may not always be accurate. The 12+ rating means the app may contain mild mature content, infrequent sexual content, or simulated gambling. When using Screen Time restrictions, set the age limit in Content Restrictions to match your child's age.
Google Play ratings
Google Play uses the IARC (International Age Rating Coalition) system, which maps to regional standards. In the UK, this corresponds to PEGI ratings. The ratings appear on each app's listing. Google Family Link allows you to restrict app downloads by age rating.
Why ratings are not enough
Age ratings assess content but not context. A game rated PEGI 7 may have online voice chat with strangers. An app rated 12+ may have direct messaging features that enable grooming. User-generated content in platforms like Roblox or YouTube can bypass the overall age rating. Always check the social features of an app or game separately from its content rating.
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
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