Fortnite Age Ratings and Parental Reviews: Is It Safe for Your Child?
It’s no secret that kids love playing online video games. It’s a way to relax, stay entertained, and socialize with their peers.
One of the most common video games right now is Fortnite. As a parent, it’s important to know what games your kids are playing, so we’re answering your questions like “What is Fortnite?” and “What is the Fortnite age rating?” in this article.
Contents:
- What is Fortnite?
- Fornite Age Rating: Is Fortnite for Kids?
- Risks and Dangers of Fortnite What Parents Need to Know
- Does Fortnite Have Parental Controls?
- How to Keep Your Kids Safe Online
- Is Fortnite Bad for Kids?
- FAQs
What is Fortnite?
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Fortnite, made by Epic Games, is an online game that lots of kids love. It’s famous for its Battle Royale mode, where 100 players fight to be the last one standing on a shrinking map. But Fortnite isn’t just about battling. It also has creative modes where players can build things and make their own worlds. This mix of playing and building, plus the constant updates, has made Fortnite very popular with kids and adults alike.
Kids can play Fortnite on devices like computers and Xbox. The game keeps millions entertained with its fun gameplay and new content.
How Much Does Fortnite Cost?
Fortnite is free to download and play, but it offers in-game purchases using a virtual currency called V-Bucks, which can cost $8.99 for 1000 V-Bucks. These can be used for cosmetic items like skins, emotes, and battle passes.
Fornite Age Rating: Is Fortnite for Kids?
Fortnite has a Teen rating by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Ratings Board) in the U.S. and a PEGI 12 rating in the UK. This means the game includes mild violence and is suitable for kids over 12 years old.
In the game, players use weapons and defeat opponents in a fun, cartoon-like world. Although these ratings suggest the game is best for preteens and teens, every child is different.
Think about your child’s maturity, how they handle what’s on screen, and how they react to in-game purchases and social interactions.
With the right guidance and by using Fortnite’s helpful parental controls, you can set age-appropriate limits, making it safe for younger kids to play in a controlled way.
Risks and Dangers of Fortnite What Parents Need to Know
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With violent action video games, it’s important to be mindful of what your child plays. Finding age-appropriate games for their maturity level and putting a restriction on certain media is crucial for their development.
Language in Fortnite
In Fortnite, the game’s language stays clean and follows its T-rating rules. However, players can talk to each other using text and voice chat. This means your child might hear inappropriate or offensive language from others.
The chat feature can be worrying, but you can turn off voice chat in the settings. This can help reduce exposure to bad language. For extra safety, check out reviews from sources like Common Sense Media to help you decide what’s best for your child.
Is There Violence in Fortnite?
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Yes, there is violence in Fortnite, but it is presented in a cartoonish style that avoids gore and blood. Characters use a variety of weapons, such as guns and explosives, to eliminate opponents within the game.
The violence is more akin to animated action sequences rather than realistic or graphic depictions. This makes it more palatable for younger audiences, although it is still important for parents to gauge their child’s sensitivity to any form of violence.
With appropriate parental guidance and in-game controls, Fortnite can potentially serve as a less intense alternative to more graphic video games.
Does Fortnite Have In-App Purchases?
Although Fortnite is free to download and play, it offers in-app purchases that can be very tempting for players, especially kids. These purchases include cosmetic items like skins, emotes, and outfits, as well as Battle Passes that unlock additional rewards.
It’s important for parents to be aware that the in-game currency, V-Bucks, costs real money, and children might not fully understand the concept of spending. Without supervision, kids could end up with significant charges. To help manage your child’s gaming expenses, setting spending limits or disabling in-app purchases entirely are smart steps to consider.
Screen Time and Addiction Concerns
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Another risk associated with Fortnite is the potential for screen time overuse and gaming addiction. The game’s fast-paced, competitive nature can make it highly engaging, leading to extended play sessions. This can interfere with essential activities such as homework, sleep, and physical exercise, especially if not carefully monitored.
Online Interactions and Stranger Danger
As we already mentioned, Fortnite exposes players to a broader online community, including strangers. This can introduce your child to potential risks such as cyberbullying, online predators, or inappropriate content shared by other players.
Does Fortnite Have Parental Controls?
Fortnite has parental controls that can be very useful for parents of younger kids. These controls let you manage different parts of your child’s gaming experience.
Important features include setting age-rating limits so your child only sees content suited for their age. You can also manage your child’s friends list to help control who they talk to online. You can even limit voice and text chat to reduce exposure to bad language or troubling conversations.
Parents can switch off in-app purchases to prevent surprise spending. These settings can be adjusted in the game on your child’s Epic account, as well as on the gaming device itself.
By using these tools, you can create a safer and more controlled gaming environment for kids under 12.
How to Keep Your Kids Safe Online
The Kids360 app
To keep your kids safe online while playing Fortnite, start by being involved in their online activities. Talk to them about not sharing personal information and how to deal with uncomfortable interactions. Regularly check who they’re talking to and keep an eye on their gaming sessions to make sure everything is appropriate.
Fortnite has parental controls like limiting chat and blocking purchases. To add extra protection, use the Kids360 app. This app lets you monitor online activity, manage screen time, and set limits on app usage.
With Kids360, you can see what games your child is playing. This gives you peace of mind by offering a complete view of your child’s online interactions, ensuring they have a safer gaming experience.
In addition to monitoring online activity, Kids360 allows you to set specific schedules for device and app usage, ensuring that gaming doesn’t interfere with sleep or study times. The app also rewards physical exercises and other productive tasks with extra screen time, encouraging a balanced lifestyle. This approach helps transform screen time from a passive activity into a reward for positive behavior and personal growth.
The Kids360 app is designed to make parental control simple and effective, allowing you to support your child’s development while keeping them safe in the digital world. Try it right now for free!
Healthy Screen Time for Kids Depending on Their Ages
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Finding the right screen time limits for your child is crucial for their overall well-being. For toddlers aged 18-24 months, the recommendation is to avoid screen time except for video chatting. As children get older, they can handle screen time better.
For kids aged 2-5, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises no more than one hour per day of high-quality programming. It’s important to watch with them to help them understand what they are seeing.
Once your child is 6 years old and up, screen time should not disrupt their sleep, physical activity, or other essential behaviors. For kids in this age group, aiming for about 1-2 hours of recreational screen time daily is a good benchmark.
School-age children (ages 6-12) might manage a bit more screen time, but it’s vital to balance gaming with homework, chores, and offline socialization.
Teenagers might be able to handle more screen time, but they still need clear limits. Encourage them to take regular breaks and participate in offline activities. Setting boundaries like no screens during dinner or in bedrooms at night can help maintain a healthy balance.
To assist parents in managing their children’s screen time, Kids360 offers tailored tools that not only monitor usage but also encourage healthier habits. With features that allow you to set specific limits, reward physical activity, and ensure safe online experiences, Kids360 makes it easier to maintain a balanced approach to screen time at every age.
Providing this structure and guidance can help your child enjoy gaming responsibly while also taking care of their overall health.
Is Fortnite Bad for Kids?
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The debate around whether Fortnite is good or bad for kids has points on both sides. On the positive side, Fortnite can be fun and a way for kids to develop social skills and teamwork. The game’s colorful graphics and exciting gameplay can help with thinking and planning. Plus, playing with friends can build social connections, especially when meeting in person isn’t possible.
But there are some downsides too. One big concern is the in-game violence. Even though it’s cartoonish, some younger kids might find it upsetting or might get used to violent behavior.
The competitive nature of Fortnite can also cause stress and frustration, especially for kids with ADHD or social skills challenges.
Another issue is the risk of spending real money on in-game purchases. Fortnite offers many cosmetic items that can tempt kids to spend money, sometimes without understanding how much they’re really spending.
Whether Fortnite is good or bad for your child depends on their maturity level and your involvement as a parent. By setting limits, watching their gameplay, and using Kids360 parental controls, you can reduce the risks and boost the benefits, ensuring a healthy balance for your kids.
Staying informed and involved in your child’s gaming experience is key to making a smart decision.
FAQs
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Is Fortnite ok for my 7-year-old?
Fortnite is rated T for Teen by the ESRB, which means it’s generally okay for kids 12 and older. Whether your child is ready depends on their maturity and how well they handle the game’s content and social interactions. If you decide to let your 7-year-old play, be involved, use parental controls to limit age-inappropriate content, and watch their in-game chats.
Why is Fortnite not suitable for those under 12 years old?
Fortnite carries a teen rating largely because of its action-packed combat and weapon usage. Although the violence isn’t graphic, the battles against opponents can be intense. The game’s interactive features, including in-game purchases and player interactions, also play a role in its teen rating to help guide what is appropriate for the audience.
Is Fortnite rated E or T?
Fortnite is rated T for Teen and is suitable for players 13 years and older.
Is Fortnite rated 18?
No, Fortnite is rated for Teens from 13 years old.
Is Fortnite Kid-Friendly?
While Fortnite’s cartoonish style and lack of graphic violence make it more suitable for younger audiences, it’s still essential for parents to determine if it’s truly kid-friendly. The game’s competitive nature, coupled with its potential exposure to inappropriate language and interactions, may not be suitable for all children.
Common Sense Media, a trusted source for parents, recommends that Fortnite is best for children aged 13 and up, considering the in-game communication features and the intensity of the action. However, with the right settings and supervision, younger children may also enjoy the game without being exposed to inappropriate content.
The picture on the front page: Jimmy Tudeschi/Shutterstock.com
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