No – Call of Duty: Warzone 2 is Not Suitable for Children

With an 18+ PEGI rating and Mature 17+ ESRB rating due to extreme violence, gore, language and drug use, Call of Duty: Warzone 2 should be considered inappropriate and unsafe for children under 18 years old.

As a long-time gaming enthusiast and content creator focused on analyzing mature games, I have conducted extensive research into Warzone 2’s content. In my expert opinion, Warzone 2’s highly graphic, uncensored visuals of violence and addiction make this game alarming and potentially influential exposure for still developing young minds.

In this article, we will explore Warzone 2‘s concerning content, better kid friendly alternatives, tips for parents, and reasons why allowing unsupervised access poses risks for children.

Breakdown of Graphic Content in Warzone 2

Warzone 2 includes frequent encounters with brutal violence, dark themes, carnage, and unfiltered profanity:

• Explicit Gore: Dismemberment, blood splatter, corpses
• Drug Usage: Marijuana, alcohol, smoking
• Strong Language: Frequent fk, st cursing
• Realistic Guns: ARs, pistols, rocket launchers

This content earned Warzone 2 a restrictive rating intended to limit exposure to minors:

Here is how Warzone 2 compares in ratings to other popular shooters:

As shown, Warzone 2 is clearly categorized differently, cautioning against youth exposure.

Studies on Media Violence and Children

Per the ESA, over 35% of Call of Duty players are under 18. However, scientific research affirms potential harms in allowing children access to realistic graphic violence.

For example, an Ohio State University study on adolescents found violent games correlated to increased aggressive behavior, arguing “repeated exposure to violent video games can desensitize youth to violence.”

Likewise, the AAP and APA have both warned that persistent exposure to violent media can skew perspective on violence, decrease empathy, and hinder social development during formative years.

So while Warzone 2 is fictional entertainment, its uncensored celebration of violence still poses risks to mental health and perceptions.

Alternative Shooters More Appropriate for Kids

Instead of Warzone 2, parents can find less violent alternatives rated Teen or Everyone 10+:

• Fortnite
• Apex Legends
• Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville
• Splatoon 3
• Overwatch 2

These games still contain conflict but refrain from graphic gore. The lighter tones and cartoonish art styles also help separate from reality.

Set Limits and Control Access

If allowing playable access despite warnings, concerned parents should:

• Analyze and set gameplay time limits
• Enable restrictions via parental controls
• Only permit play when supervised
• Mute in-game chat and voice
• Turn off explicit content like blood and language

While disabling certain features can help, the core experience still revolves around eliminating human enemies with graphic realism. This needs proper context and guidance.

Unstructured, unlimited screen time compound risks of potential behavior or empathy impacts. So game time limits and oversight are strongly advised even with content filters.

Conclusion: Not a Game for Kids

In closing, with its high levels of graphic violence, open drug use, uncensored profanity and lack of moral censuring around harming other people, Call of Duty: Warzone 2 earns its Mature 17+ rating with good reason.

Allowing children under 18 to freely play such a visceral celebration of destruction must be considered by caring parents who weigh heavy resistance from youth against preservation of still developing social perspectives.

Instead, saving games like Warzone 2 for willing adults while protecting our more vulnerable children with thoughtful standards and active alternatives better prevents potential harms – both in media preference and mental health.