ONLINE GAMING
As we grow with the changing environment of digital technology use in the world around us, we are also dealing with the changing environment with children. It is important that parents and guardians are informed about the games their children are playing, so they can make informed decisions.
Focus games: Fortnite and Roblox
What is Fortnite?
Age restriction: Minimum 13+ years of age
Fortnite is an online video game and game platform developed by Epic Games. Fortnite has multiple game modes, using the same engine; each has similar graphics and art assets. Five of these modes are directly created and managed by Epic Games and its subsidiaries. Fortnite is available in six distinct game mode versions that otherwise share the same general gameplay and game engine. Fortnite Battle Royale, a free-to-play battle royale game, allows up to 100 players to interact, fighting to be the last person standing. Fortnite is a popular metaverse platform.
Fortnite has the following capabilities:
- Gaming
- In-app purchasing
- Messaging/Online chat
- Voice chat
- Screen capture
Roblox
Age restriction: Limitations for children who sign up under 13 years of age
Roblox is a game-creation platform that allows you to design your own games and play a wide variety of games created by other users. The platform hosts millions of user-created games and virtual worlds covering a wide variety of genres, from traditional racing and role-playing games to simulations and obstacle courses. Roblox also allows players to buy, sell and create virtual items.
Roblox includes social hangouts and free-form user creation experiences where you can text, voice chat and create with other people in real time.
By default, users under the age of 13 are not able to play, search for or discover unrated games or participate in social hang outs that allow free-form user creation that is not moderated by Roblox. Parental controls are also enabled by default for all users under the age of 13.
Roblox has the following capabilities:
- Gaming
- In-app purchasing
- Messaging/online chat
- Anonymous communication
- Screen capture
Information courtesy of the Australian eSafety Commissioner (link here)
Key Take-Aways
It is important to know that both Roblox and Fortnite allow students to play with and communicate with random people, including voice chat. Unless these players are personal friends or family to your child, it is impossible to know the identity of individuals.
Please exercise caution when setting up all online games with your child, to ensure all safety features are in place to reduce interaction with strangers. Please also make sure that your child understands what to do if they are in an uncomfortable or unsafe situation online.