ONLINE GAMING the risks for YOUR child Fortnite

ONLINE GAMING. . . …the risks for YOUR child

Fortnite – for those who don’t know • Join teams in a battle to the death on an animated island • Try to get to be no 1. the last person standing • Can’t leave the game – so have to keep playing • Gifts ‘in game’ can be given by people you know and people you don’t • Is not suitable for children under the age of 12 • It is highly addictive

Where to find more information • https: //www. net-aware. org. uk/news/fortniteall-you-need-know/?

Have you noticed • Angry outbursts • Aggression • Your child being inconsolable when they have lost • Your child doing nothing but playing the game

What effects does gaming have • • Language Attitude – including mood swings Tiredness Thinking skills Reduced imagination Social isolation Future addictive behaviour

Other games… • If a game has an 18 certificate your child should not be playing it… …Grand Theft Auto – you take the role of a criminal fighting his way to the top through violent crime …Call of Duty – based in the 2 nd World War, this is a fighting game with graphic scenes

What should you do as a parent • Make sure your child is not using headphones • Limit screen time • Encourage other activities • Spend time with your child • Make sure you use parental controls https: //www. internetmatters. org/parentalcontrols/smartphones-and-other-devices/playstation-4 ps 4/

What should you do as a child • Do what your parent asks you to do…even if that is deciding you can no longer play these games! • Develop other interests • Make sure that you think about something else to help your brain grow • Take part in other activities so you do not become obsessed