FORTNITE

FORTNITE

MINIMUM AGE: 12+
 
WHAT IS IT?
Fortnite is a game where players collaborate to survive by battling other characters who are controlled by the game itself, or by other players. 

Fortnite began it's first season several months after the game launched in 2017. Since then, Epic Games have built and improved Fortnite over the course of it's 22 seasons. 

Single-player/ co-operative (played with friends) mode: 
Called 'Save The World'; involves fighting off zombie-like creatures. 

Standalone free-play multi-player platform Battle Royale:
Up to 100 participate online, competing individually or of squads up to four players. The mission is to be the last player standing within the ever-decreasing battle area. 

Creative Mode:
Players can create their own buildings and play mini-games. 
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WHAT WE SAY:
Treat with caution.
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• This game can be played on a huge range of devices - PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC, Mac, iOS and some Android devices too. 
• The content of this game is not a massive issue - although unadvisable for young children. There are frequent scenes of violence, the violence is cartoonish.
• There is a lot of chat with strangers within the game, so a good idea to talk to children about disabling the chat altogether.
• A very addictive game, due to it's repetitive nature, so time limits are highly recommended. Multiplayer games last up tp 30 minutes, and players can quickly re-enter a new game. 
• Players create an account by providing an email address, which they have to verify, and creating a username. There is no strict age-verification process. 

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SAFETY TIPS TO CONSIDER:

• Make sure you check out Fortnites parental controls.
• Safer to have private parties with just friends than playing with strangers.
• Fortnite has a range of parental tools which let you control things like filters on mature language and disabling voice chat.
• There are three levels of privacy settings: Public, where anyone can enter your child's online group. Friends, where only friend's can join their group; and Private, where no-one can enter your child's group without being invited.
  

• Unmoderated chat: There is unmoderated chat in Battle Royale. Players are open to communicate by voice or on-screen, from anyone they are playing with. 
• In-Game Purchases: Players can buy a battle pass, costing 950 V-Bucks ( £6.49) this lasts for around 3 months (a Fortnite season). The player will receive rewards such as skins and extra challenges. 
• V-Bucks can be purchased with real money. 
  
• Loot Boxes - players can now see the contents of a box before purchasing. 
  
• With this in mind we recommend that card details are not saved to the account to ensure that your child does not spend money that is not their. 
  

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• Make sure that children and young people always use their device in a room whereby adults are present.
• Discuss 'friends' - there is no such thing as an 'internet friend'. Encourage children and young people to only engage with other users whom adults know in the 'real-world', and that they know and trust.
• Use protection settings, such as time limitations, or only allow social media usage with parental guidance.
• Outline clear rules for your children. Pay attention to their development. As they get older, they should generally be given more freedom.
• Communication will also become more important as children get older. Explain that you are not trying to control them but want to agree upon a set of ground rules.
• Try to stay up-to-date on Internet trends and best practices.
• Talk to your children about the risks of disclosing personal data.
• Have open discussions with children and young people about the topics associated with online use - bullying, grooming, sexual and criminal exploitation, body image, as well as accessing support and how to report. 

FURTHER SUPPORT:
For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. 

If you discover criminal content when online then report it directly to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation. 

If you're worried about online grooming or sexual behaviour online then report directly to the police or contact CEOP. 

For Children & young people if they're worried or want to talk, encourage them to contact Childline Online or call 0800 1111. 

Check out our Resource Centre for further information and useful online safety tips.

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