Grand Theft Auto
A guide for families with key information about ‘Grand Theft Auto’, including the age rating, key terminology, risks and instructions for enabling parental controls and safety settings.
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How GTA works
Grand Theft Auto (GTA) is a video game series produced by Rockstar. Versions of GTA are available on most gaming devices, including PC, Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo Switch, iOS and Android.
This guide refers to the GTA games that can be played on the app, but sections are also applicable to the GTA franchise more generally.
GTA is an open-world gaming platform in which gamers play with a distinct mission and role within the narrative of the game. Players control characters that complete missions to progress through the game. The game is realistic, sophisticated and is film-like in quality. The game is designed so that players feel that they are that character and are able to live-chat and broadcast their voice to other players.
Minimum age requirements
GTA has a PEGI rating of 18, meaning it is only appropriate for adults.
The PEGI 18 rating reflects the adult content that players are likely to encounter within the game, including:
- the (often motiveless) killing of other defenceless characters
- the use of drugs and explicit sexual activity
- the use of bad language
Features
Chat
The chat function allows players to communicate with each other while playing the game.
GTA+
The subscription membership available to players who pay monthly to access exclusive content and bonus gameplay features. This is only available to players on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Live stream
It is possible for players to live stream their game play with others viewing it in real time.
Shark Cards
Micro-transactions that allow players to spend real money in return for in-game currency.
Managing risks
If you allow your child to play GTA, you should consider the following risks.
Inappropriate content
The games includes significant exposure to:
- sexual themes
- violence (including killings)
- profanity
- drugs
- criminality
- very mature storylines with references to alcohol, drugs and scenes in a strip club
Contact with other users
GTA is designed to be played as a multi-player game that exposes players to random people that they meet through the game. This presents unknown risks in relation to bad language and influence, bullying and exploitation. There are steps you can take to limit the risk from other players.
Avoid playing with strangers
GTA has a singleplayer story mode. If you decide to allow your child to play GTA, it is advised that they play in this mode as it will prevent them from interacting with strangers. Alternatively, they can play invite-only sessions, so that they only play with approved friends.
Disable chat
If your child plays online with strangers, you can disable the text and voice chat features. This will prevent your child from hearing or seeing inappropriate messages from strangers.
Use blocking and reporting tools
Teaching your child how to use the block and report features empowers them to stop contact with players who make them feel uncomfortable and helps make the game safer for everyone.
Talk about their gaming experience
Having regular conversations about your child’s online experience will help you stay aware of who they interact with while playing GTA.
Discuss safe online behaviour with them, such as not sharing personal information or joining groups or chats with strangers.
Excessive screen time
GTA can be immersive and compelling for players. This can result in extended stints of gameplay and strong emotions. Weekly updates, regular special events, and constant new challenges and missions mean that players are consistently encouraged to keep coming back to the game. If you allow your child to play GTA, taking the following steps can help prevent them from spending too much time on the game.
Set screen time limits
In the device settings, you can set time limits on the GTA application to prevent your child from having excessive screen time.
Set boundaries
Agree on boundaries with your child. For example, agreeing that they are not allowed to play GTA in their bedroom will help limit their time on the game and prevent it from affecting their sleep.
Overspending
GTA relies on in-game purchases to create additional revenue. There are many things to purchase in the game. Your child may want to spend real many on in-game currency to buy the best vehicles and houses and keep up with friends. To prevent overspending, you can do the following.
Talk about spending
Talking with your child about in-game purchases can help them manage their spending. Money spent online may not feel real. Explain the value of money by comparing their in-game spending to what the same amount could buy in real life.
Use spending controls
In the device settings, you can set limits on spending or disable transactions altogether.
Set boundaries
Come to an agreement with your child about how much they can spend on gaming. Together, you could set a monthly budget to ensure that they do not overspend.
Settings to protect your child
If you allow your child to play GTA, these settings can give them a safer experience on the game.
Disable chat
Disabling chat will prevent strangers from being able to contact your child.
To do this:
- In GTA Online, open the Interaction Menu.
- Go to ‘Preferences’.
- Select ‘Voice Chat’.
- Set it to ‘No One’.
Review blocking and reporting tools
- Open the ‘Online’ menu.
- Select ‘Players’.
- Find the player you wish to report or block.
- Select block or report.
Managing time and purchases
Although some versions of GTA are free to play, in-game purchases are available. You can disable in-app purchases on each individual device itself.
Disable in-app purchases (on iOS)
- Go to ‘Settings’.
- Go to ‘Screen time’.
- Go to ‘Content and privacy restrictions’.
- Select ‘iTunes and app store purchases’ and set the option to ‘Don’t allow’.
Disable in-app purchases (on Android)
- Go to your ‘Google Play Store’ app.
- Select ‘Menu’.
- Select ‘Settings’.
- Select ‘Require authentication for purchases’.