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In recent weeks the Wellbeing and Counselling Teams have had several queries and concerns from parents regarding one of the latest video game crazes ‘Fortnite’.  Currently there is a lot of media hype around this game ranging from “just another fad” to “an extremely addictive obsession”.  As with extremes, probably somewhere in the middle is more appropriate. Drawing on research from a range of child psychologists, media articles and conversations with students and adults here are some comments and guidelines. 

Positives: 

• It is free. Players can buy battle passes, weapons, costumes and dance moves; however they are not essential to playing a game. Players do not need a credit card!
• It builds teamwork and collaboration between those playing and each game is over in 20 minutes making it easier to set time limits.  
• Although violent - the violence is portrayed as less real when compared to games such as Call of Duty. 

Negatives:

• The recommended age is 12 +, however it does have an M rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board as it is violent with the aim being to kill all the other players.   
• Like any other game it can be addictive, so it is unlikely that players will want to leave a game halfway through. 
• Players have been cajoled into spending a significant amount on by-products which are not necessary for participation in the games. 

Recommendations:

• Familiarise yourself with the game so you can have conversations with your child about it. 
• Understand the settings of the game so you can regulate who they can make contact with. 
• Put boundaries in place as where, when and frequency they are playing.
• Keep gaming devices out of bedrooms, and remove at a predetermined time in the evening.
• Monitor how your child is coping with a game and the amount of time they are playing.  If it is taking over their lives then you need to step in and make changes.

Jennie Sanderson | Director of Wellbeing

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