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Fortnite is one of the hottest games around these days, and it’s likely if your kids aren’t already playing, they will. For many parents, online safety is a big concern when deciding whether or not to let their children play video games. If you’ve made the decision to allow your children to play, there are a few steps you can take, (& things you should watch for), to make sure that they stay safe.
Check Online Settings Regularly
One of the main concerns in the game is the interaction with strangers and potential online predators. Within the game, you’re placed into a round with 99 other players & you have no choice about who you are playing against. You’ll want to be aware of the online settings of the game, and how much information about your child is visible through their profile on their chosen system.
Keep an Eye and an Ear on In-Game Chat
With this game, in-game and on-screen chat features are always on. This opens up the possibility for exposure to foul language and inappropriate conversation, along with oversharing of personal information. Parents should be mindful to check regularly the types of interactions that are happening and be prepared to pull the plug & try another time if there are issues that make you uncomfortable. Also, depending on the platform you are using, you may be able to play in a private chat with only players that you select. If your child is spending time in private chat rooms, be certain that they are only interacting with trusted individuals, such as friends that you personally know. Our son only chats with his real-life friends.
Secure In-Game Purchase Settings
In Fortnite, there are optional upgrades & enhancements that can be purchased with real money. Check your system settings and be sure to password protect any credit card information that could be used to make unauthorized or unintended purchases. We make all purchases with gift cards we buy at the store. By doing this, our credit card info is not used.
Monitor the Amount of Time Played
Many parents have concerns about the amount of time children are spending on Fortnite and other games. Having a solid set of house rules about screen time and sticking to it is important. Keep close tabs on how long your children play video games, especially those with violence and online personal interactions.
Watch for Unusual Behavior
Keep an eye out for unusual behavior such as violence, mood swings, and changes in attitude when your child is playing video games. If outbursts seem to be directly related to gameplay & cannot be controlled with a bit of parental guidance, you may have to make the decision to put an end to their gaming until they can get their behavior in check.
Have Regular Conversations with Your Child About Online Safety
Regular conversations about online safety and the dangers of sharing personal and identifying information should be a habit. While you don’t want to make your children overly fearful, they need enough information to understand the seriousness of over-sharing when interacting with others online.
*Fortnite photo credit: Fortnite twitter acct.
