Parents and teachers listen to children and especially teenagers talking to each other about something called “Fortinite”. You may have heard this word and wondered about this craze. You are not alone! What is Fortinite
It is a survival game in which players can play either individually or in a team seeking resources and weapons on an island that will help them be the last ones left alive. The Super
Initially one of the major claims is that it is a free game. Children don’t have to ask for money in order to buy it as is the case with other similar games. Moreover it is available on a variety of devices including smart phones. The cartoonish style and humorous nature of the game provides the guarantees that users will not take the killings that take place in the game very seriously. After all, how can anyone take seriously a game that allows players to change the clothes of their heroes (from astronauts to superheroes) and make them dance? Finally, the game reinforces collaboration skills. They can work as a team, play with friends no matter how close or far away they are and communicate with them. The cons
While there are voices that argue that “Fortnite” is not the main source of the problems that occur both at school and at home, there are many parents and teachers who disagree, claiming that the game is a major disruptive and addictive factor both inside and outside of classrooms. It is the main topic of discussion among children about what level they have reached, who they have killed and how late they stayed up last night to complete it. Because the game’s heroes can die and be reborn directly, it makes the game highly addictive. It has been estimated that around 150 million users of various platforms play “Fortinite”. But the problem is not just the game itself. Because of “youtube” and other similar websites, children watch their favorite “youtubers” play, learning new strategies and tricks with the ultimate goal of being able to be the winners of the game. Also, despite the cartoonish nature of the game and the humorous choices one can make during the game, the main objective is still to use weapons to kill other players. The answer to the question of the title is therefore not easy to answer. Perhaps it could be argued that Fortnite is not a threat to adults and children when:
– clear time limits are set for playing the online game;
– parents are familiarised themselves with the use of the game in order to be able to control and protect their children effectively.
– parents, teachers and pupils are trained in the prevention of the risks of using games and the Internet through ongoing, experiential and participatory processes.
– healthy interpersonal and parental relationships are promoted during childhood and social skills are improved during adolescence.
For more information and to be informed about the “ELPIDA” programs for the prevention of the risks of using Games and Internet, you can contact Mr.
