FORTNITE
FORTNITE
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MINIMUM AGE: 12+
WHAT IS IT? Fortnite is a popular online multiplayer game where up to 100 players compete to be the last player or team standing in a fast-paced survival match called Battle Royale. Players collect weapons, build structures, and work with teammates while the playable area gradually shrinks. Over time, Fortnite has expanded into a gaming platform that includes other experiences such as LEGO Fortnite (a survival building mode), creative maps made by players, and music or event-based modes. The game is free to play but includes optional purchases using a virtual currency called V-Bucks, which can be used to buy cosmetic items like character skins, outfits, and emotes. Fortnite also includes voice and text chat, meaning players may communicate with friends or other players online, so parental controls and supervision can help ensure children play safely. WHAT WE SAY: Treat with caution. ✅ Positive Themes
⚠️ KEY CONCERNS 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate Content Although Fortnite uses a colourful, cartoon-style design, the core gameplay still focuses on combat and eliminating opponents. In public matches or voice chat, players may hear strong language, toxic behaviour, or inappropriate jokes from other players. Some community-created experiences may also include themes or conversations that are not suitable for younger children. 👤 Avatars, Skins & Mature Themes Players can customise their characters with skins, outfits, and emotes. Some cosmetics are based on movies, TV shows, or pop-culture characters that may include more mature themes or suggestive animations. While these items are generally cosmetic, they may expose younger players to content intended for older audiences. 🔐 Privacy Concerns Players use usernames and profiles when playing online, and some may unintentionally share personal information such as their age, location, or social media accounts. Without the correct privacy settings, children may receive friend requests or messages from people they do not know. 💬 Direct Messaging & Voice Chat Fortnite allows communication through voice chat, party chat, and friend messaging, and accounts can also link with platforms like Xbox, PlayStation, or Discord. This means children may communicate with strangers during matches, increasing the risk of sharing personal information. 📱 Cyberbullying & Toxic Behaviour Because Fortnite is highly competitive, players may encounter name-calling, harassment, or exclusion from teammates or opponents. This behaviour can occur through voice chat, text chat, or social media connected to gaming accounts. 🧑💻 Online Predators & Grooming As with many multiplayer games, there is a risk that adults may pretend to be younger players to build trust with children. These individuals may encourage private conversations or try to move chats to other platforms where moderation is weaker. 🧠 Screen Time & Gaming Habits Fortnite includes rewards, daily challenges, seasonal Battle Passes, and limited-time events, which can encourage players to keep returning to the game. For some children, this can lead to long play sessions, sleep disruption, or frustration when losing. 🎮 Violence in Gameplay While the game is less graphic than many shooters, it still revolves around weapons, combat, and eliminating other players. Parents should consider whether this style of gameplay is appropriate for their child’s age and maturity. 💸 In-Game Purchases Fortnite uses a virtual currency called V-Bucks, which can be spent on skins, emotes, and cosmetic items. New items and collaborations are released regularly, which can create pressure to buy the latest content. 📢 External Content & Influencers Children who watch Fortnite content on YouTube, TikTok, or Twitch may encounter inappropriate language, gambling-style content, or misleading promotions, which are not always moderated for younger audiences. 🔓 Scams & Account Theft Scammers often target Fortnite players with fake “free V-Bucks” offers, phishing websites, or links promising rare skins. Sharing login details or clicking suspicious links can lead to account theft or loss of purchased items. |
🛡️SAFETY TIPS:
📲 Understand the Game Take time to learn how Fortnite works, including its game modes, chat features, and in-game purchases. Understanding the platform will help you guide your child and spot potential risks more easily. 👨👧 Use Parental Controls Regularly check your child’s interactions and review privacy settings. Epic Games’ parental controls allow you to restrict voice chat, manage friend requests, require a PIN for purchases, and control how your child communicates with others. 💸 Limit In-Game Spending Fortnite uses V-Bucks for cosmetic items such as skins and emotes. Consider setting spending limits, requiring a password or PIN for purchases, or disabling in-game spending to avoid accidental or excessive costs. 🚨 Download From Official Sources Only Make sure Fortnite is downloaded from official platforms such as the Epic Games Store, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, or trusted mobile stores. Unofficial downloads can expose devices to malware or scams. 📢 Be Aware of Age Restrictions Fortnite has a recommended age rating, but there is no strict age-verification process during sign-up. This means some players may misrepresent their age, so children could interact with older players online. 👥 Manage Friend Requests Encourage your child to only accept friend requests from people they know in real life. Remind them that even if someone seems friendly in a game, they may still be a stranger. 🎮 Monitor Chat & Voice Communication Fortnite includes voice chat and text communication during matches. Consider limiting chat to “Friends Only” or disabling it entirely for younger players. 🧠 Encourage Them to Trust Their Instincts Teach your child that if something online makes them feel uncomfortable, they should leave the game or chat, block the player, and tell a trusted adult. 🖥️ Keep Gaming in Shared Spaces Where possible, encourage children to play in shared areas of the home, such as living rooms, rather than bedrooms. This allows for more natural supervision. 💬 Keep Conversations Open Have regular discussions about online safety, bullying, scams, grooming, and peer pressure. Let your child know they can talk to you if something worrying happens while gaming. 🚨 Know the Warning Signs Watch for behaviour changes such as secrecy, anxiety after gaming, sudden spending requests, mood swings, or deleting accounts or apps, which may indicate a negative online experience. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you see suspected child sexual abuse content online, report it to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which helps remove illegal images from the internet. If you’re worried about online sexual exploitation or abuse, you can make a report to Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) - a UK law enforcement team dedicated to protecting children and young people online. 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 Factsheets for further information and useful online safety tips. 
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