OPINION: Recent publicity in the media has lead to concerns with the online game 'Fortnite.' At Marshland School we also have concerns with the influence this game is having on some of our students, their learning, and their friendships.

Society, as we know, continues to be fast-paced and ever-changing. Not long ago Flappy Birds and Pokemon Go were all the craze, short-lived mind you, but nevertheless, they had a big impact on adults and students alike, leading to compulsive behaviour and crazed obsessions.

Currently, we have an online game called Fortnite that has swept the world and taken with it the minds of our young and vulnerable. 

So what is Fortnite?

Essentially, Fortnite is a player vs player (PvP) multi-platform game involving up to 50 players at a time. Players hunt and kill each other on a small island until there is only one left. During the game, players collect weapons and resources to help them.

So, why are there concerns?

- Players can chat online and not necessarily with their peers but with people of all ages and from around the world. Do you know what your child is saying and to whom?

- The addictive nature of the game lends to the inability to function when asked to carry out other duties.

- Students treating other students differently and no longer being their friend because they don't have a Fortnite account.

-  Students come to school tired due to the fact they have been gaming all weekend and simply haven't had enough sleep. Even on week nights!

- The competitive nature of the game comes into school with students bragging about their efforts. This can lead to arguments, name-calling and generally unkind comments.

- Students in learning time are caught trying to access the game and the tracker that shows a player's profile and progress.

According to a number of reviews Fortnite should not be played by children under the age of 12 years due to its level of violence.

As a parent myself, we shouldn't be allowing our children to be on any device in their bedroom. Instead, we need to be actively monitoring their online activity, ensuring that what they are exposed to is age-appropriate.

The other consideration is the length of time your child is on a device. Should there be a balance? Absolutely. A large number of students after talking with them would easily spend more time on devices and gaming at home compared to using a device at school for learning.

Parental controls are also available on some platforms like the Xbox. As a parent, you need to know how the game works and what possible threats your child may be exposed to.

This article isn't about telling how to parent. It is merely highlighting a concern, that as a school, is current and real. The game Fortnite in no way, shape or form impacts positively on your child's learning, in fact, it's one big distraction.

If your child is currently playing Fortnite, I encourage you to sit alongside them, see for yourself what the game is like, and more importantly who they are socialising with. 

For further Reading/ Information:

Recent article in The Herald

Greater anxiety for students

Parents Ultimate Guide to Fortnite

Paul Tyson

Parent and Deputy Principal