Is Fortnite affecting children?
Primary Schools in Australia have started sending out letters to parents warning them of the adverse effects of Fortnite on their students.
Despite the game having an age rating of 12+ across the world, it is likely younger people will be playing; with more than 40 million worldwide players.
Now, several schools in New South Wales and Victoria have issued newsletters. New newsletters inform parents there has been a notable change in pupil behaviour; both in the classroom and on the playground.
Banning Violence, Preventing Bullying
With the game being a free to play title, it is straightforward for an audience younger than the intended target to get hold of the game without parents knowledge.
The Guardian quoted Shellharbour Public School as saying:
The ability to communicate online while playing these games is leading to moments of online bullying, the use of inappropriate language and abuse.”
Media outlets have been reporting that both Fortnite and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds are causing ‘panic’ amongst parents. It should be noted, however, that Australia has a history of banning games.
In fact, there is a current petition for Fortnite to be banned, claiming that it is desensitising children to violence. Most recently, We Happy Few was banned due to ‘excessive drug use’. Previously, hit games like Fallout 3 and two Grand Theft Auto titles were banned; with the ban later overturned.
In line with these cases, Dr Marcus Carter, lecturer in digital culture and gaming from the University of Sydney, asked for parents to play the game. His suggestion was for them to make their own minds up, rather than be influenced by the media.
I say the best thing to do if you are concerned about your children playing Fortnite is to play Fortnite with them. To turn it into something that you share with your child.”
Parents can quite rightly not want their kids playing with adult strangers online [but] digital gaming on its own, is not bad. It’s no different to any other form of media.”
We’re sure that Epic will be hoping that they don’t lose their significant market in Australia, especially with the game set to have a competitive season later this year.
So is Fortnite affecting children? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.