We’re diving into a topic today that’s on the minds of many parents: the mega-popular game Fortnite. As adults responsible for the well-being of young gamers, it’s absolutely crucial to take a closer look at the games our kids are playing. Many parents may want to know if Fortnite is safe for kids to play. So, grab your controllers and let’s plunge into the colorful world of Fortnite to understand what it’s all about and judge if it’s suitable for your youngster.
What’s Fortnite All About?
To kick things off, Fortnite is a vibrant, cartoony game where players parachute onto an island and compete against each other to be the last one standing. It’s a game that combines elements such as exploration, scavenging for resources, and combat.
Now, you may be wondering, “Isn’t this just another violent shoot-’em-up game?” Well, yes and no. Violence is somewhat present – it is a battle royale game after all – but Fortnite has a ‘Teen’ ESRB rating, which is largely due to its stylized, non-graphic combat.
The Pros Of Children Playing Fortnite
First, let’s talk about why kids love it.
- Social Interaction: Fortnite creates a vibrant online community, where players connect, collaborate, and communicate with friends.
- Creativity: There’s a distinct aspect of the game, known as “Fort Building,” where players can build structures using materials collected, promoting architectural imagination.
- Problem-Solving: Victory in Fortnite comes from strategic thinking and quick decision-making skills.
- No Violence: The games art style is clean and colorful. Blood and gore does not play a part in this.
The Cons Of Kids Playing Fortnite
However, as with any popular online game, Fortnite comes with a few potential concerns.
- Violence: Despite being cartoonish, the main objective is to defeat other players in combat. Combat is rather tame with no gore or anything over the time but killing others is the end goal.
- In-Game Purchases: The game is free to play, but has many tempting in-game purchases for outfits or “skins” and “emotes.” It is essential that if you give your child this game, ensure they do not have access to make purchases without permission. It can be very quick and easy to buy things without fully understanding and this can end up costing a lot of money.
- Time Sinking: The game can be quite addictive, leading children to spend more time gaming than may be healthy.
Tips for Parents
So is Fortnite right for your child? That’s a decision only you can make, but here are some tips to help manage their experience:
- Set Gameplay Limits: Encourage balance by setting limits on how often and for how long your child can play.
- Review and Modify In-Game Settings: Familiarize yourself with the game’s privacy settings and content filter to maximize your child’s safety.
- Discuss Online Safety: Remind them not to share personal information and to report any inappropriate behavior.
It’s also vital to keep an open dialogue with your children, ask them about what they’re doing in the game, and even join them in a match or two to get a hands-on understanding.
At the end of the day, every child is different and what works for one might not work for another. Hopefully, now armed with more information, you can make an informed decision about whether Fortnite is suitable for your child. Got more gaming concerns or great parenting tips for the gaming world that you’d like to share? Drop them in the comments below.
