how to limit your child’s games?

Sometimes seen as restrictive, parental controls have become an essential tool to protect young players. Epic Games has taken steps in this direction with its flagship online game, Fortnite. Since October 1, the publisher has announced the introduction of new features aimed at offering parents more control over their children’s usage.

Features adapted to parents’ needs

Among these new options, parents can now limit the duration of sessions, allowing them to better manage the time spent in front of the screen. They can also disable certain functions, such as in-app purchases or communication between players.

To access these settings, simply go to the “Parental Control” section of the main menu of Fortnite or via the Epic Games online portal. They also have the ability to view the child’s daily and weekly play time, making it easier to monitor and adapt restrictions.

Another major new feature: the ability to define specific time slots, thus avoiding late games or during homework hours. A function also allows the child to request additional play time, subject to acceptance by the parents. Before the session ends, a notification is displayed 30 minutes in advance, allowing him to make a request. These tools offer more flexible and secure supervision of the gaming habits of young people.

Increasing digital consumption

Studies show that young French people are increasingly exposed to screens, and Fortnite is no exception. According to Ipsos, in 2022, children aged 1 to 6 spent an average of 2 hours per day in front of various screens, and this duration increased to around 3 and a half hours for 7-12 year olds.

Among adolescents, screen time exceeds 5 hours per day, covering the use of smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. A Médiamétrie study from the same year reveals that 15-24 year olds devote nearly 1 hour 48 minutes per day to video games, thus signaling increasing exposure from a young age.

This increased consumption of screens, often amplified by the simultaneous use of several devices, has harmful effects on health. In a 2021 survey, ANSES highlighted the risks, including sleep disorders, reduced attention and posture problems. These issues are particularly worrying among adolescents, who often exceed screen time recommendations issued by public health professionals.