Gaurav Rathore
His write-ups blend creativity, personal experience, and tailored technical advice, meeting reader needs effectively.
No, Fortnite is not okay for a 7-year-old, as the age limit is 13+.
Gaurav Rathore
His write-ups blend creativity, personal experience, and tailored technical advice, meeting reader needs effectively.
Since its release, Fortnite has dominated the gaming world and was ranked as the most-played game on all platforms in 2023. However, regardless of this fame, parents are still skeptical about it for fear of losing their kids to Fortnite.
A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics has shown that ‘there is a slight to moderate correlation between consuming violent media and exhibiting aggression’, which further fuels parents’ doubts.
Thus, to ease the minds of the concerned parents, I’ve compiled every piece of information about Fortnite: what is this game, how to play it, the potential risks, etc. So, let’s jump straight in!
Quick Answer:
Fortnite is an online video game released by Epic Games, where players compete with each other to become the last man standing in an open battle.
According to Wikipedia, Fortnite is an online video gaming platform developed by Epic Games and released in 2017. Since then, it has collected over 500 million players across the globe as of March 2023.
This game requires the players to collaborate to survive in an open-world environment by battling other characters. It’s free and available on various devices, like the Playstation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC, Mac, iOS, and Android.
Although it is available in six game modes, the most popular are the single-player version, Save the World, and the multiplayer mode, widely known as Fortnite Battle Royale, where 100 players fight against each other to become the last man standing.
What is a Fortnight?
People often confuse Fortnite video games with Fortnight because they have a similar sound.
A fortnight means two weeks or a span of 14 days. This word was derived from the old English term of the 12th century, fēowertīene niht, which means fourteen nights.
To start with the gameplay, first, you must download the game, then create an account on the game using a viable email address, get it verified, and proceed with the instructions.
After you begin the game, you will be randomly assigned an avatar that changes every time you re-enter the game. Then, you can choose the game mode: solo, duo, trio, or squad, and when ready, simply start the game.
The gameplay starts with players stranded on a small island equipped with an axe. The players must go on quests to search for more weapons while avoiding the killer storm going around the island.
Why do Children Like Fortnite?
Teens like Fortnite due to its competitive aspect, colorful animation, graphics, and violent edge.
No, Fortnite is not safe for little kids!
Fortnite has been rated 12+ by PEGI for featuring frequent scenes of mild violence and gore. Although the violence in the game tends to be cartoonish, it might be disturbing for some kids.
The game also has an online chat feature that lets kids talk to random strangers on the internet, exposing them to unpredictable risks. Considering these risks, the Entertainment Software Ratings Board has rated Fortnite as ‘T’ for ‘Teens’ or 13+.
Various reputable media outlets and sources have expressed their opinions on Fortnite’s violent usage, like the NSPCC, which claims that Fortnite could endanger children and expose them to violence.
Hence, if your kids aren’t mature enough, I recommend you keep them away from Fortnite games.
Yes, fortunately, Fortnite has parental controls that can make your kid’s gameplay more safe. So, let’s take a look at these controls in brief!
Although kids might say Fortnite is a safe game, you must educate yourself on the alarming aspects that might risk your child’s well-being. Here are some red flags for Fortnite that I found in my research, so let’s take a look!
Even though the game is rated 13+, kids as young as 8 are playing it, due to the lack of an age verification process.
Fortnite Battle Royale has an unmoderated chat where the players can talk to anyone using voice or text chat, increasing the chances for your child to become the target of bullying, extremism, and inappropriate language.
The gaming default settings are public, which means that anyone can join your child for gameplay and keep tabs on their online group.
Fortnite has the option of in-app purchases to buy skins and other gaming equipment. So, if you have your banking details saved on the game, your kid can easily make purchases.
Similar to social media platforms, Fortnite makes it easy for sexual offenders to use the anonymity of the avatars as a shield to lure kids.
The in-chat gaming feature poses various risks, and cyberbullying is one of them.
As 85% of players range between 18 and 35, there is a high probability they might encounter adults using explicit language or offensive words unsuitable for kids.
Spending excessive time playing can ruin their sleep time, growth, and relationships and may promote risky behaviors like anger issues and extreme reactions.
If your child is spending considerate time playing Fortnite, and you can’t get them to stop it, I recommend you use the safety tips listed below to ensure their safety.
Tweak the parental control settings on Fortnite to make it a safer place for your child’s gameplay.
To prevent your child from developing serious issues, you can establish rules on when, how much, and with whom they can play games. Don’t forget to add penalties here and there to ensure they follow the guidelines.
You can choose the game mode depending on your child’s maturity level. For example, if your child is not mature enough to handle the uncertainties of the game, you can choose single-player mode.
Teach your kids about online safety, like what to share and with whom to share, to protect your child’s privacy.
In this age, worryingly, cyberbullying has become very common. Thus, as a parent, you must always be on the lookout for signs of cyberbullying, such as your child becoming extremely sensitive or becoming jumpy when receiving texts or calls.
Surprisingly, Fortnite is relatively safe from other video games, as it only features cartoonish scenes with mild violence. However, there is no guarantee that this game won’t soil your child’s innocent mind or hinder their growth.
Thus, as a concerned parent, I recommend you use proactive measures to protect your child and take part in healthy gaming practices.
No, Fortnite is not okay for a 7-year-old, as the age limit is 13+.
Fortnite is safe for kids above 13.
Yes, the standard edition of Fortnite is completely free for the players.
A fortnight means 2 weeks or 14 days.
