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Original poster

Fortnite for 8yo?

16 replies

ammary · 12/02/2021 20:08

8yo DS is begging me to let him play Fortnite as he wants to play with his friends.

Friends are also 8. Age on game is 12.

Is it really too old for him? Is it scary or gory? What makes it a 12?

Any advice would be gratefully received - the begging is driving me insane!

OP posts:
Suzi888 · 12/02/2021 20:29

My work colleagues children play this from age 6 and I know that the class he’s in has been playing during lockdown. I’ve no idea what’s involved in the game though sorry! They’ve been playing and talking to each other to keep in touch.

SchoonerP · 12/02/2021 20:33

Nope. DS now 9 wanted to play it when his older brother was. It's a hard no from me. It's first person shooter. It's really not appropriate for younger kids. Just say NO.

bombaychef · 12/02/2021 20:35

Mine are a bit older but still primary so no we don't have it. Some of Yr 3 and 4 have it, a few more in Yr5 and prob half of Yr6: mainly the boys. I'm not a fan of it and there's plenty of others games they can play online with mates on.. Roblox, animal crossing, mine craft, amoungus, Kahoot etc. Plenty have it from age 7ish but its also highly addictive and a lot of kids chat to random strangers on it for hours too.

Littlepaws18 · 12/02/2021 20:42

Nooooo don't do it. It's absolutely not suitable for 8 year olds.

Original poster
ammary · 12/02/2021 21:01

Thanks all.

The no has it. 😀

He has Roblox and Minecraft etc so that will have to satisfy him.

OP posts:
1starwars2 · 12/02/2021 21:09

I think it's fine from age 9 ish. Why don't you watch a you tube video of someone playing, and if it's no, then you can get a sense of how old he needs to be for you to say yes.
There is a lot of team play, Building, strategy. My 13 year old doesn't play fortnite any more, my 11 year old sometimes plays but was more into it a year or 2 ago.

delilahbucket · 12/02/2021 21:45

Even my 12 nearly 13 year old DS has struggled to control his emotions with this game, although some of his peers are far worse. I'm glad I put my foot down and said not until he hit 12. It isn't gory or scary but it is highly addictive, not to mention the potential to talk to complete strangers.

Insertfunnyname · 12/02/2021 21:46

No no nope no nope not a chance nope no.

lorisparkle · 13/02/2021 09:00

Ds2 started playing fortnight in year 4. I did not really want him to but he was crying at school because all his friends (and I checked with parents) were playing socially after school. As he was not allowed to play he could not be involved in any of the conversations (as all they talked about was what they did or were going to do on fortnight)

It is very tame but addictive. I was very strict with its use and any bad behaviour meant he was banned from it.

They all got bored of it and now neither ds2 (12) or 3 (10) play it very much.

KenAddams · 14/02/2021 17:31

The reason it's a 12 is because of the chat aspect but u can switch that off its like a cartoon fighting games where u have to try build "forts" for protecting

TokyoSushi · 14/02/2021 17:36

I wouldn't be overly concerned about the 'violence' aspect of it as it's not awful in that respect. What I would be very cautious about is the addictive side of it. DS is almost 10 and does play, so do virtually all of his friends. It doesn't affect his behaviour and he'll come off when asked. There's a huge social aspect and being 'part of a group' with it. Proceed with caution if at all though.

Loveacoseynightin · 22/03/2021 19:21

Don't see the issue with it myself it's a very fun game and if it becomes addictive like most games do just say no

And48 · 27/03/2021 20:24

I honestly think Minecraft is more gory when they kill animals!! I play fortnite myself (I started so I could play with my boys and see what they were up to/what it was all about etc). I think mine were about 9 and 11 when they started playing, they are now nearly 11 and nearly 13... 13 year old has outgrown the game and the 11 year old only plays every now and then with certain friends are online.

CarrieDS · 30/09/2021 09:15

My sons and 8 and 6 and play it and I’m at my wits end. Eldest is addicted. I feel
it’s taken my sweet boy. People might say “turn it off” “get rid” but obviously this causes resentment and upset with him and he misses talking to his friends. Roblox is no better by the way, I got rid of that completely as they were totally all over that over the summer. I’d recommend delaying these games as long as possible. Wish I had.

LittleMysSister · 30/09/2021 09:44

My 7yo SD plays it, it's not gory or scary in any way.

However it can be addictive though, as PP says. And also can get a bit expensive as it's around £7 every few months for the new 'battle pass' so you can achieve new skins, and also skins are available to buy, so you'll end up getting badgered for those.

marshmallowhearts · 30/09/2021 10:00

Like others have said, it’s not particularly gory etc but it is addictive. Mine always want to play and are constantly asking for the latest release as so much hype is built up before it comes out and then it’s old news as the next release is announced. Also, I have had to ban my 9yo from playing until he is older because he really struggles with playing with his friends and them killing him or not helping him when being attacked/killed and he usually ends up in tears. Sometimes they’ll gang up on one of the group (it changes) and it just doesn’t seem mentally healthy for them tbh. I know there’s the group play aspect but my 9yo’s friends are playing Call of Duty and GTA also so I don’t give too many shits about him keeping up with them 🤷‍♀️

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