Fortnite has become ubiquitous amongst many young people. Players who compete in the Battle Royale version are dropped onto the game map and compete with ninety-nine other players to be the last one standing.

What are some of the online safety challenges of Fornite?

The multi-player nature of the game can present some challenges and risks for gamers. The chat features can mean exposure to offensive language, inappropriate content and contact from strangers. Turning off the voice chat function or ensuring they’re teaming up with friends are actions parents can take if concerned about a child’s use of Fortnite.

Fortnite is recommended for children aged 13 and older. 

What is the most common concern?

The most common concern raised by parents about Fortnite is that kids react very badly to being asked to stop playing.

For parents who use the “stop at the end of the next round” negotiation tactic, it’s useful to know the average Battle Royale lasts about 20 minutes, but most players are knocked out earlier.

There are also much longer form creative and coop versions of the game – so it’s worth checking which version they’re playing!

What’s Netsafe’s advice?

As with any online safety issue, having regular and open conversations with your children about their use of online games such as Fortnite helps mitigate potential harm.

Encourage your child to share with you if they have upsetting experiences and make sure they’re aware that any harassment, inappropriate language, bullying or hacking can be reported through the ‘Email us’ function.

Online safety parent toolkit

Developed by Netsafe, there is lots of great and advice and strategies here: https://netsafe.org.nz/advice/online-safety-parent-toolkit/

Our advice?

If your child struggles to come off a device - it's best not to go on one in the morning before school.  Keep your life simple and avoid that before-school argument!

Being on a device just before bed can make it more difficult to sleep.  The current advice recommends no devices within an hour of bedtime.  

Children who come to school well-rested with a healthy breakfast onboard are usually happy to be here and are ready to learn.