Fortnite is an extremely popular video game developed by Epic Games that continues to be incredibly popular with students. While this multiplayer game is free and available on multiple platforms, it does include in-game purchases, and new digital items are released on a regular basis to encourage additional spending.

The concept of the game is simple – the last player (or team) to survive the battle wins, however this isn’t a traditional war game. Fortnite is set in a colorful, surreal world where players can dress their avatars up in silly costumes and have fun while trying to survive.

Fortnite parent video

What is Fortnite?

• Fortnite is an online, multi-player shooting game released by Epic Games in 2017
• Games are free to download on many devices, but have in-game purchases to improve the play experience for the user
• Users can play Fortnite on PC/Mac, Fortnite.com, Xbox Marketplace, PlayStation Store, Nintendo Switch, Android devices

What is Fortnite rated?‍

• ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
• Developed by Epic Games, Based in the USA
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy

Fortnite Game Options

When playing Fortnite there are 4 main game options:

• Save The World - Game play is similar to Minecraft and emphasizes exploring and building PvE (Player vs Environment game)
• Creative - Players can design their own game elements and invite friends to play their creations
• Fortnite Battle Royale - Players fight each other (up to 100 players) until only one player is left
• Zero Build - For players who do not like to build

Why do teens want to play Fortnite?

• Players can chat with other players using headsets or text
• Players can wear funny costumes and perform dance moves
• Friends can team up together in Duo mode or Squad mode 
• Fortnite Battle Royale is one of the first games to let players play online together across most platforms. For example, players on Nintendo Switch can play with their friends who are playing on an Xbox
• The Party Royale mode lets players hang out with friends, play nonviolent games, and watch virtual concerts, shows, and even movies

Top concerns of Fortnite

Even if you do not play Fortnite in your home, your students are likely to encounter the game at friends' houses or outside your home and there are several concerns that you should be aware of

• Students can chat with strangers through voice chat while playing and can come across profanity or inappropriate language
• ‍Paid upgrades can add up. In addition to purchasing Premium Battle Passes, players can also buy 3rd party add-ons to make gameplay easier or to get certain upgrades
• Hackers have targeted Fortnite accounts and spent hundred of dollars on in-game purchases
• Some of these 3rd party upgrades have been reported as being malicious in nature

Fortnite games are designed to be addictive and keep players coming back, which can be difficult for teens and tweens who haven’t yet developed a healthy relationship with screen time

• Epic Games is constantly adding new features, digital items, and play modes every week which entices students to play more frequently
• Games can last up to 20 minutes, cannot be paused, and one player leaving early may impact their team's results
• Screen time isn't limited to game play. Students often spend additional time watching others play the game or engage with other players on other apps and websites like Discord and Twitch

What can parents do?

• Before allowing your student to play Fortnite, review the ESRB rating, download the game, and spend some time using it for yourself, then determine if the game is safe for your family
• Use the the Parental Controls to limit access to social features, purchases, and what games you allow
• Encourage a healthy balance when it comes to screen time and time spent offline by creating a family media agreement
• Discuss the difference between virtual violence and real life and discuss which game modes your student should participate in
• Discourage interacting with strangers in live play and be sure to turn live audio off in the game so students can't use voice chat
• Teach students to never share personal information, including other social media accounts or email addresses with strangers online or in games
• Set spending guidelines with your student and ensure they ask before downloading any new apps or making any in-app purchases

Fortnite's parental controls and safety features

• There are some Parental Controls built into the Fortnite game
• Set up a pin so your students cannot change the settings
• You can turn on a mature language filter for text chats
• Require a pin to send or accept friend requests
• Set voice and text chat permissions
• Receive weekly playtime tracking reports

Fortnite in the news

A federal judge sentenced a Kentucky man who lured children through the Xbox gaming platform earlier this month to serve 30 years in prison. He sought out children ages 11 and 12, initially coaxing them to send nude images in exchange for money or game tokens, prosecutors said. It escalated when he convinced some of the children to meet and then sexually abused them. - Courier Journal

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FORTNITE has created, through its marketing, a vicious cycle in which children must buy to feel accomplished and accepted by their peers, ... thereby taking advantage of their vulnerable position. - The Washington Post

More resources for parents, students, & educators

Pros and Cons of Video Games: What Parents Need to Know

Minecraft: Guide for Parents & Educators

Apex Legends: Parent Guide

Roblox Guide for Parents

Shine Online: Positive Impact of Social Media & Screen Time

Conclusion

Fortnite from Epic Games can be a fun video game to play together with friends, but students may find themselves in trouble when they don't regulate their screen time, play and chat with strangers, make purchases without their parents knowing, or purchase malicious 3rd party upgrades. Game play can also carry over to school and can cause animosity among friends over winning or losing. Video game screen time addiction can be a real problem, especially playing Fortnite, which is designed to be addictive. Having clear guidelines about appropriate game use ahead of time can help prevent many of the problems that you are likely to run into.

Watch as students describe why they like playing Fortnite

Josh Ochs shares Fortnite safety tips on KTLA-TV in Los Angeles