Gaming and age recommendations

[artninja]

Do other parents find that your dc's friends are allowed to play/ watch games and movies that are not actually recommended for their age?

I don't want dc to feel left out, but I don't want to let him play Fortnite or even Minecraft at 7 just because all his friends play it?

Personally my son played both at 7.

Fortnite isn't just all shooting. There are now 100s of different games within it. And it's good for socialisation as he can party up with his friends.

Minecraft is honestly completely harmless. It's a great game. There could even be an argument that it enhances problem solving skills and critical thinking.

If I were you I would allow Minecraft without a second thought. And maybe play Fortnite yourself before making a decision on that.

Yes, also my kids 14&12 friends are on social media and they are not allowed, my youngest daughter 9 keeps asking for a phone because all her friends have phones but shes not allowed, they can only watch a 15 movie (not the 9yo) if ive watched it first and deemed it appropriate, same with games, they moan every now n then about it but otherwise accept the boundaries, my 13-(14 on Tuesday) daughter has asked me if she can have her septum pierced for her birthday cause her friends have all got piercings my reply was when you’re 16 i can’t stop you but while i can i will stop you from ruining your face/body, i get it, i had my belly done when i was 13, lip when i was 15, i had a tattoo at 18 but i regret all of them and i don’t want her to feel the same in her 30s lol so not just films/games we restrict here lol xx

My nephew is 8 ….he plays both those games

What do you think isn't appropriate about Minecraft?

I wouldn't get worked up over Minecraft it's PEGI 7.

Fortnite though ... it's addictive and awful. But if you put in the parent controls, then it might be okay?

@morebubbles32 I think it’s probably the addictive, open ended element to it. From my own experience, i’ve seen two children develop a rampant addiction to minecraft which went beyond any restrictions given by the parents. One of the kids is 16 now and has really struggled with school/ exams etc. Because of the long time addiction to his screen - minecraft was the gateway!

Minecraft is fine for 7yo's, though my 7yo is only allowed to play single player. I don't personally allow any multilayer games or anything with chat function yet, but DS isn't particularly savi, so other 7yo's might be fine.

He's had an Amazon kids tablet since he was five and he doesn't use it that often. The reason for that I guess is the apps/ games he has on there are not too addictive, and I've always sat with him to use it for his maths and writing or art/ design (scratch jr, Numbots, etc).

I just feel this is the right relationship with technology at that age - to see it more as a useful, learning tool.

He can get 'obsessed' with things a bit in general- like (re)watching the same program or playing with the same thing for days on, so not sure he is ready for all the intensity of on screen gaming, specifically built to be addictive.

He is also very sensitive. Not sure what he'll make of the creepers/ zombies, etc?
(Also, on the App Store on my phone it said Minecraft is for 9+ ?)

Yes other people's children are often allowed stuff before they should be
Stick to what you want

Minecraft is fine, Fortnite = no chance!

My son is 10 and most of his class play it, he doesn't as we've told him it's too addictive and I have seen first hand the violent behaviour it's caused with his younger nephew.

I've always told my son to ask if he wants a game and we review it on a case by case basis. I was happy with Roblox with locked down controls.

The official jump in age suitability is pretty big. There is 3, 7 and 12 for the younger ones and it can be based on complexity too. A child might be ready for a 12 by 10, just there isn't a bracket for that My kids have minecraft and are allowed to play together, or with friends and relatives we know on their own servers. They aren't allowed on public servers to play with others. I am constantly amazed at what they can create on there.

Personally don't let them on roblox or fortnight due to there being quite a lot that isn't suitable, chat functions and addictive qualities.

But saying that, my eldest is currently totally addicted to pokemon go, which is completely age appropriate for content, but filled with time limited things that pressure you to spend and play constantly. I realise that "gotta catch em all" is a genius marketing slogan that has made them a lot of money, but if I ever met the person who invented it, I will be having some very choice words with them.

My kids played Minecraft from age 5 they loved building houses etc on it (some I must say were blimming good!)

My eldest has been begging for Fortnite as all his friends play it and he wanted to play with them but we held off until his birthday. (Hes 10) He was upset as he felt like he was missing out but we wanted to do our research first into the controls side of it and sat him down and explained everything to him. Hes allowed to play strictly on his dad's Xbox in the living room for a little bit at a time (hes very outdoorsy so doesnt play an awful lot of games) with all parental controls on, no talking or adding people he doesn't know. and me or DH present at all times. He enjoys the game but tbh he'll probably move onto something else again soon, he's back outside playing football and after all FC 25 coming out this year lol