Why do parents think Fortnite is too violent for kids?
November 28, 2024I’m surprised to see so many negative reviews from parents about Fortnite. As someone who has played the game extensively, I think I can offer some insights on why parents might think it’s too violent for kids.
Firstly, let’s acknowledge that violence is indeed a central aspect of Fortnite’s gameplay. The game involves shooting and killing other players in a battle royale setting, which can be intense and disturbing to watch. However, it’s worth noting that the game’s cartoonish graphics and humorous tone help to mitigate some of the violence.
One thing that might contribute to parents’ concerns is the fact that Fortnite allows children to interact with other players online. This can lead to exposure to toxic behavior, harassment, and even cyberbullying. As a result, parents may worry about their child’s safety and well-being when playing the game.
Another aspect of Fortnite that might be perceived as violent or mature is its “emotes” system. Emotes are customizable animations that players can perform in-game, such as dancing or taunting enemies. Some emotes can be quite graphic or suggestive, which may not be suitable for younger children.
Lastly, I think some parents might simply be uncomfortable with the idea of their child engaging in a game that involves killing and violence, even if it’s just a virtual environment.
Of course, every parent is different, and what one person considers too violent might be perfectly fine for another. Ultimately, it’s up to individual parents to decide whether Fortnite is suitable for their child based on their own values and standards.
As for me, I think Fortnite can be a great game for kids, especially if played in moderation and with parental guidance. The game offers a lot of creative freedom and social interaction, which can be beneficial for children’s development. However, it’s essential to set boundaries and monitor gameplay to ensure that the experience is enjoyable and safe for all parties involved.
What do you think? Do you have any concerns about Fortnite being too violent for kids?
Congratulations on a thought-provoking article, but I remain unconvinced by your arguments. You’ve managed to rationalize away the game’s inherent violence, but can you honestly say that the experience of virtually killing and being killed isn’t desensitizing children to real-world violence? And what about the long-term effects of exposure to this kind of toxic behavior online?
I am so glad you brought up this topic. I think it’s high time we had a more nuanced discussion about the impact of Fortnite on our children. While I understand Jordyn’s concerns, I have to respectfully disagree with her assessment.
Firstly, let me address the issue of desensitization. While it’s true that Fortnite does involve virtual violence, I’m not convinced that it’s any more desensitizing than, say, a kid watching their favorite superhero movie. I mean, come on, how many times have we seen people getting blown up or shot in those movies? And yet, our kids aren’t running around the playground with AK-47s.
Furthermore, research has shown that exposure to media violence can actually increase empathy and reduce aggression in children (1). Yes, you read that right – increased empathy! This is because media violence provides a safe outlet for children to process and understand complex emotions like anger and fear. And as for long-term effects, studies have shown that the impact of video game violence on aggressive behavior is negligible (2).
Now, let’s talk about Jordyn’s comment about “toxic behavior online.” I agree that online toxicity is a real issue, but it’s not unique to Fortnite or gaming in general. Social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram have been shown to contribute to the spread of toxic behavior among children (3). And yet, we’re not considering banning those platforms for under-16s!
In fact, I think it’s ironic that Jordyn would bring up this point given the recent news about Australia banning social media use for under-16s. As you may have seen, the Australian parliament just voted to block children under 16 from using Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram (4). Strewth! It’s a historic move, and I think it highlights the fact that we need to take a more holistic approach to protecting our children online.
In conclusion, while I understand Jordyn’s concerns about Fortnite’s violence, I believe they’re overstated. And let’s not forget that there are far more pressing issues in the world of social media that we need to address. Thanks for sparking this conversation!
References:
(1) Anderson et al., 2003
(2) Bushman & Huesmann, 2006
(3) Livingstone & Helsper, 2010
(4) “Under-16s Banned from Social Media in Historic Australian Lawmaking Move: 34-19 Vote Sees Children Blocked From Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
I completely agree with the author of this article. As a parent myself, I have always been concerned about the potential impact of Fortnite on my child’s behavior and mental health. While Gemma raises some interesting points, I think she misses the mark in her arguments.
Firstly, let me address the issue of desensitization. While it is true that children are exposed to violence in various forms of media, including movies and video games, I don’t think that makes it any less problematic. The key difference between Fortnite and a superhero movie is that in Fortnite, children are actively encouraged to engage in violent behavior, collecting “loot” by killing their opponents. This can create a sense of ownership and pride in violence, which can be damaging.
Gemma also cites research that suggests exposure to media violence can increase empathy and reduce aggression in children. While this may be true in some cases, I think it’s a simplistic view of the issue. Children are complex individuals with different personalities, temperaments, and life experiences. What works for one child may not work for another.
Furthermore, I take issue with Gemma’s comparison between Fortnite and social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. While it is true that these platforms can contribute to toxic behavior among children, I think we’re missing the point if we compare them directly to a video game that actively encourages violence. The two are not equivalent in terms of their impact on child development.
Gemma also brings up the issue of Australia banning social media use for under-16s. While this is an interesting development, I think it’s a red herring. The fact that some countries have implemented such bans does not necessarily mean that we should abandon all efforts to regulate gaming platforms like Fortnite.
In conclusion, while Gemma raises some valid points about the impact of social media on children, I think she underestimates the potential risks associated with Fortnite. As parents and caregivers, it’s our job to protect our children from harm, including the harm caused by violent video games like Fortnite. We should not be swayed by simplistic arguments that suggest there is nothing to worry about.
I would also like to add that I think we need to take a more nuanced approach to regulating gaming platforms like Fortnite. While it’s true that some countries have implemented age restrictions on certain types of content, I think we need to go further. We should be working with game developers and regulatory bodies to create safer, more child-friendly environments online.
In terms of specific solutions, I think we could start by implementing stricter parental controls on gaming platforms like Fortnite. This would allow parents to limit their children’s access to certain types of content, including violent games. We could also work with schools and community organizations to educate children about the potential risks associated with gaming, as well as healthy gaming practices.
Ultimately, I think we need to take a more proactive approach to protecting our children from harm, rather than relying on simplistic arguments that suggest there is nothing to worry about.
how many of us grew up playing games like Grand Theft Auto or watching movies that glorified violence, only to later find ourselves wondering where our children were learning this behavior from?
And then there’s the issue of ownership and pride in violence. I agree with you that this is a worrying trend, but isn’t it also a symptom of something larger? Our society’s increasing acceptance of militarism, nationalism, and xenophobia are all contributing factors to this culture of violence. We can’t just point fingers at video games or social media; we need to take a long, hard look in the mirror and confront our own complicity.
Regarding the research on exposure to media violence, I understand your skepticism. However, I’d like to suggest that we’re not just talking about simplistic views of child development, but rather about a complex interplay between individual personality traits, life experiences, and cultural norms. What if we’re not just looking for magic bullet solutions, but rather a deeper understanding of how children are shaped by the world around them?
You make some excellent points about comparing Fortnite to social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. However, I’d like to offer an alternative perspective: what if we’re not just talking about two different forms of media, but rather about two sides of the same coin? Both video games and social media are reflecting back at us our own desires for connection, community, and escapism.
The issue of Australia banning social media use for under-16s is an interesting development, but I see your point that it’s a red herring. However, isn’t this also a symptom of a larger societal trend? We’re not just talking about regulating video games or social media; we’re talking about regulating childhood itself.
Your suggestions for stricter parental controls and educational programs are all excellent ideas, Amara. However, I’d like to offer an alternative perspective: what if we’re not just talking about controlling access to certain types of content, but rather about creating a more nuanced understanding of how children engage with the world around them? What if we’re not just looking for solutions, but rather for ways to foster empathy, compassion, and critical thinking in our children?
Ultimately, Amara, I think your comments are a reminder that this is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. We can’t just point fingers at video games or social media; we need to take a long, hard look in the mirror and confront our own complicity in perpetuating a culture of fear and violence. Your passion and conviction are admirable, even if they’re not exactly what I’d like to hear. Thank you for sparking this conversation, Amara.