'Fortnite' Child Safety Concerns: NSPCC Issues Warning To Parents

A children’s charity has advised parents whose kids play ‘Fortnite’ to take steps to ensure they’re staying safe online.

The NSPCC and O2 have launched new advice for parents amid concerns over a game function that automatically allows users to speak to other players through voice and text chat functions. It means children can be contacted by anyone else who is playing the game. Users can disable voice chat in the game via the settings menu, but the text chat function cannot be turned off.

Research from NSPCC and O2, of 2,059 children and young people aged 11-18, reveals that that one in four children have been contacted online by someone they don’t know.

Laura Randall, NSPCC’s associate head of child safety online, said: “Apps, sites, and games such as Fortnite: Battle Royale can be great opportunities for young people to play and engage online. However in light of emerging concerns about the risks children could be exposed to, we are urging parents to be aware of Fortnite’s features. It’s vital parents have regular conversations with their children about the games they are playing, and how to stay safe online.”

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Available on Xbox One, PS4, PC, Mac, iOS and Android the online multiplayer game has become a worldwide phenomenon since it launched a free ‘Battle Royale’ mode that allows up to 100 players fight it out ‘Hunger Games’ style until there’s just one person left.

The NSPCC and O2 are offering parents the following advice, in response to the concerns about Fortnite:

:: Talk to your child regularly about what they are doing online and how to stay safe. Let them know they can come to you or another trusted adult if they’re feeling worried or upset by anything they have seen. You can use these conversation starters to help.

:: Explore your child’s online activities together. Understand why they like using certain apps, games or websites and make sure they know what they can do to keep themselves safe.

:: Agree your own rules as a family when using sites, apps and games. You can use this Family Agreement template to help you get started.

:: Manage your technology and use the privacy and parental control settings available to keep your child safe.

Anyone looking for further online safety advice can contact the O2 NSPCC online safety helpline on 0808 800 5002.

Before You Go

The Best Family-Friendly Beach Breaks In Kent

Viking Bay, Broadstairs(01 of08)

This horseshoe-shaped bay was Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday spot, and we can see why: a rugged coastline, soft, golden sands, rock pools and a picturesque waterfront path leading to Ramsgate (a two-mile walk away). Modern beachcombers can also enjoy an added treat: retro gelato parlour Morelli’s, for when kids (and parents) need some lip-licking refreshments. (credit:Flickr CC-BY Funk Dooby)

Sandgate Beach, Folkestone(02 of08)

Escape to this tranquil shingle-and-pebble beach for a spot of relaxation and a swim – the water quality is excellent and the Promenade backing onto the beach is ideal for a scenic stroll or cycle ride (Folkestone is 1.5 miles east; Hythe is 3 miles west). There are plenty of food and drinks spots for a quick bite, and the Lower Leas Coastal Park adventure playground (which boasts a zigzag path and tube slide among other exciting features) is less than a 10-minute walk away. (credit:Flickr CC-BY Randomfotos)

Dover Harbour Beach, Dover(03 of08)

This pebbled beach offers up one of the great wonders of the UK: a stunning view of the White Cliffs of Dover, with Dover Castle above. Little ones will get excited about the constant stream of ferries sailing in and out of the marina. Keep looking and see if you can spot France one afternoon. (credit:Flickr CC-BY a-terracini)

Tankerton Beach, Whitstable(04 of08)

Charming, multi-coloured beach huts, grassy slopes and even a skate park are all on the menu at Tankerton Beach in Whitstable. This long stretch of pebble beach leads onto ‘The Street,’ a natural spit you can walk along at low tide. Don’t miss the cannons at the top of Tankerton Slopes for some imaginative role-playing for the kids (and a brief history lesson; the area once served as a coastal defence spot). The beach is well-equipped with nearby cafés and toilet facilities. (credit:Keith Marshall via Getty Images)

Deal Beach, Deal(05 of08)

A pebble beach with a long promenade that’s perfect for strolls, the kids will enjoy exploring the local artillery fort castles constructed by Henry VIII: Sandown, Walmer and Deal, all a short-ish walk away. This is a good spot for fishing (or fishing-boat spotting). The pier dates back to the 1950s. (credit:RS Pictures via Getty Images)

Sunny Sands Beach, Folkestone(06 of08)

A small, sandy beach that’s a family favourite, Sunny Sands has been a popular watering spot since the Victorian days. With good facilities and fab street food stalls (Bob’s Seafood on The Stade is heaven for shellfish-lovers), you’ll also find watersports aplenty, including kayaking, dinghy sailing and stand-up paddle-boarding. (credit:Andrew Aitchison via Getty Images)

West Beach, Whitstable(07 of08)

This quiet shingle beach is popular with families and is the go-to spot to escape the hustle and bustle - and enjoy some of Whitstable’s famed oysters. Take in the views across the way of the Isle of Sheppey, peek at wading birds and send the kids on an oyster shell hunt. And you don’t want to miss those epic sunsets. (credit:Flickr CC-BY Neil MacWilliams)

Botany Bay, Broadstairs(08 of08)

Your Instagram page will be the envy of all your friends after a trip to the stunning sandy beach of Botany Bay, Broadstairs, thanks to striking natural features like the beach’s chalk stacks. Kids will love hunting for fossils and exploring the rock pools. Botany Bay and nearby Joss Bay are also havens for stand-up paddle-boarding, or, when the conditions are right, surfing. (credit:Ulrich Mueller via Getty Images)