Student Wellbeing

Fortnite

If your kids seem to be spending longer than usual on their devices then it is likely that they, like many other kids in the school, have discovered 'Fortnite'. Fortnite is like a cross between Minecraft and the Hunger Games, Fortnite drops 100 competitors on an island and requires them to scavenge for weapons and other resources, build defensive structures and vanquish opponents in a quest to become the last player standing. The game itself is free and playable on game systems, computers and mobile phones alike, but players pay for accessories and costumes for their characters.

It has without a doubt intruded on our family life often distracting from homework, jobs around the house and other better interactions within the family. My boys argue that playing Fortnite is a social experience as they can team-up with friends in pairs or fours. If they’re not together physically, they communicate — over FaceTime, a headset linked to a game system, or the like — to co-ordinate strategy, alert teammates to threats, cheer for one another and trade banter. In addition, I am informed that the game also helps to cultivate the spatial skills needed in mathematics. My boys are hooked: it has quality graphics, a sense of humour, apparently you advance rapidly through the game and the game itself has that enticing element of gamblers luck.

While I do not necessarily agree with all their arguments they do raise some points that need to at least be considered. However, it all comes down to use in moderation and awareness of what they are playing. So as a family and as a School, we are attempting to set limits in a positive manner.

At School -

We are in the process of blocking Fortnite during school hours 8.30am – 3.30pm. This will ensure the temptation to sneak a game during class or break time will be thwarted.
Tutor is now technology free time in the Senior School. As a school we believe the focus should be on building positive inter-personal relationships without the distraction of devices.
Holding information sessions. The Orange Police Youth Liaison Officer will be meeting with Year 7, 8 and 9 over the coming week to talk about digital literacy, including online gaming dangers.

At home -

We are focusing on other activities such as completing homework, being physically active, participating in family life and getting enough sleep. Trying to make the time together as a family positive rather than always focusing on the negative and arguing about what they cannot do.
Setting limits on screen time that have been negotiated together, such as allowing gaming on Friday afternoons and some time on the weekend.
The rule that if arguments breakout and become too heated, then their devices are taken away for a period of time. Nobody gets to play then.

The link below provides some excellent information about Fortnite and is a must for parents to read. Good luck to all those families negotiating the Fortnite online craze.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/esafety-information/games-apps-and-social-networking/fortnite

Emma Bylsma

Head of Student Wellbeing