Do Your Kids Have a Fortnite Video Game Obsession? Here Are 5 Tips to Help Keep Them Safe When Gaming Online by Rachael Daniels CPNP-PC, CLC

The video game Fortnite has become an obsession for many of my son's friends. So much so that he, at age 8, cannot wait to get his hands on an XBox, Playstation – any gaming system – in the hopes that I will let him play. I have a few concerns about Fortnite and gaming online, so I thought I would look into it.

According to Common Sense Media, Fortnite should not be played by children younger than 13 because of the open chat feature and action violence. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends co-viewing and co-playing video games that contain virtual violence with your children, and does not recommend exposure to such games younger than age 6 because a 6-year-old cannot decipher reality from fantasy.

What can parents do to keep kids safe in a virtual world video game such as Fortnite?

• Be mindful of kids' media/gaming consumption and watch and play with them.

• Know that there is a proven scientific link between virtual violence exposure and real-world aggression.

• Kids should not be exposed to video games where humans or living targets are shot for points.

• Know who your children are online with, especially when they can be "dropped" into a game such as Battle Royale with other players.

• Talk to your children about your concerns and risks they may encounter while playing this game.

Related Products on Amazon We Think You May Like:

30Second Mobile, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.