7 Things Parents Must Know About Fortnite in 2025

Worried about Fortnite and your kid's safety? Learn what the age rating means, how parental controls work, and what to watch out for in 2025.

Author: Performance Gaming. Trusted by 10,000+ gamers every month for the latest news in Fortnite.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Fortnite is rated T for Teen (13+) by the ESRB.

• Parents can enable built-in controls for younger players.

• The game includes cartoon-style violence, no blood or gore.

• Risks include in-app purchases and open chat with strangers.

• Supervision and settings can make Fortnite safer for kids.

Are you wondering if Fortnite is really safe for your child to play? You’re not alone. As of 2025, Fortnite remains one of the most downloaded games worldwide, with over 500 million registered users, many of them under 18 (Source: Epic Games 2025 Community Update). But with its Teen rating and online features, many parents are asking the same question, is Fortnite safe for kids?

We’ve reviewed the game from a parental perspective, tested the parental controls, and spoken to families who actively manage their child’s gaming time. Based on that experience, we’ve broken down what you need to know about Fortnite’s content, age restrictions, chat features, and how to make gameplay safer with smart settings.

What Parents Should Know About Fortnite

Fortnite is an online multiplayer game available on nearly every platform, including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Windows, and Mac. The most well-known mode, Fortnite: Battle Royale, pits 100 players against each other in a fast-paced match where the last player or team standing wins. It’s free to download, but players can spend real money on cosmetic items and seasonal passes.

Gameplay involves fast action, building structures, and eliminating opponents. A storm closes in as the match progresses, forcing players into smaller zones. The game is widely popular among younger audiences thanks to its colorful style, quick matches, and constant updates.

Since launching in 2017, Fortnite has remained a cultural icon, frequently appearing in schoolyard conversations and trending content. If your child mentions terms like “cranking 90s” or “sweats,” they’re likely deep into Fortnite lingo.

Why Fortnite Has a T for Teen Rating

Fortnite holds a T for Teen rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which means it’s officially intended for players aged 13 and up. This rating is due to its use of cartoon violence, where players use weapons but no blood or gore is shown. Defeated players simply vanish from the game.

Other platforms, such as Common Sense Media, also recommend Fortnite for teens, noting its competitive nature and the presence of live chat features. While the visuals are stylized, the goal: eliminating other players, remains central to the game.

That said, many families allow younger children (ages 7–12) to play Fortnite under supervision. With parental controls turned on, the experience can be made more age-appropriate.

Understanding Chat Features and Online Safety

One of the biggest concerns is online safety, especially related to chat. Fortnite includes voice and text chat, which opens the door to hearing strangers during gameplay. While there’s no profanity built into the game itself, open lobbies can expose kids to:

• Harsh language or bullying.

• Inappropriate jokes or harassment.

• Unfiltered conversations with strangers.

To reduce these risks, you can disable chat entirely or limit it to approved friends. Fortnite’s parental controls allow you to block voice chat, filter mature language, and stop random friend requests. We’ve found that setting these limits dramatically improves the experience for younger kids.

How Fortnite Handles Cartoon Violence

Parents often ask if Fortnite is too violent for kids. It’s true that the goal of the game is to defeat opponents, but it’s done in a non-graphic, cartoon-style format. There’s no blood, no gore, and players simply “disappear” when eliminated.

Think of it like a digital game of tag, with flashy weapons and silly dances. That said, we always recommend talking to your child about what they’re seeing and how it makes them feel. Media content, even when animated, can affect kids differently based on age and maturity.

In-App Purchases: What You Should Know

Fortnite follows a freemium model: the game is free to play, but it makes money through in-app purchases. The in-game currency, called V-Bucks, is used to buy

• Skins (cosmetic outfits).

• Emotes (dances or gestures).

• Pickaxes, gliders, and other accessories.

• Battle Passes for seasonal content.

These items don’t impact gameplay, but the social pressure to collect the latest skin can drive kids to want to spend real money. That’s where parental oversight matters. We recommend setting up a PIN for all purchases through Epic Games or your console settings. This helps prevent unwanted spending and teaches kids to think before buying.

How to Set Up Fortnite Parental Controls

Fortnite includes a robust parental control dashboard that gives you power over your child’s gameplay. You can:

• Turn off voice and text chat.

• Restrict who can send friend requests.

• Hide your child’s username from strangers.

• Require a purchase PIN.

• Track time played.

Use the “Private” party setting to ensure that your child only plays with people they know in real life. You can also review their play history and adjust controls through both the Fortnite platform and Epic Games account.

Setting up these controls doesn’t take long, and it’s one of the best steps you can take for better online safety. We’ve seen this setup work well for families with kids as young as 8.

Is Fortnite Ok for My 7 Year Old?

Many parents ask, "Is Fortnite ok for my 7 year old?" The answer depends on how you manage the game. Fortnite is rated for teens, but with strong parental controls, younger kids can play safely. Disabling voice and text chat helps protect your child from strangers.

Limiting playtime and supervising who they interact with also reduces risks. Make sure to set up purchase restrictions to avoid unwanted spending. If your 7 year old understands the rules and you stay involved, Fortnite can be an enjoyable, age-appropriate experience.

Should a 7 Year Old Play Fortnite?

Deciding if a 7 year old should play Fortnite depends on your child’s maturity and your involvement. Fortnite’s cartoon violence is less intense than many games, but the competitive nature might be overwhelming.

Use parental controls to block chat and restrict purchases. Ensure they only play with trusted friends. Talk openly about online behavior and screen time. If you actively supervise and set clear rules, a 7 year old can play Fortnite in a safer environment.

What Every Parent Needs to Keep in Mind

Fortnite can be a fun and social experience for kids, but it requires strong parental involvement. If your child is under 13, using built-in parental controls is key. These settings let you manage who your child interacts with, control purchases, and set time limits.

While the cartoon violence is less intense than many other games, it’s still important to have regular conversations about behavior, digital safety, and the types of content they watch, especially if they view Fortnite videos online. With a proactive approach, you can make Fortnite a safer part of your family’s gaming routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fortnite Safe for Kids Under Age 12?

Fortnite is rated T for Teen (13+), but younger kids can play safely if parental controls are enabled. The game doesn’t show blood or gore, and the violence is cartoon-style. To protect children under 12, disable voice chat, limit screen time, and monitor who they play with. Set rules about spending and content access. Many parents find Fortnite manageable when these tools are used. Every child is different, so supervision is important when deciding if Fortnite is safe for your family.

Does Fortnite Have Blood or Graphic Violence?

No, Fortnite does not include blood or realistic violence. Instead, it uses cartoon violence, where players vanish after being defeated. Despite being a shooter game, its colorful graphics and non-violent animations make it less intense than other titles. Characters use fictional weapons, and damage effects are visual rather than gory. That said, the goal of the game still involves eliminating others, so it’s best for parents to assess how comfortable they are with that—even if it’s presented in a more playful way.

Can a Seven-Year-Old Play Fortnite Safely?

Technically, yes, but only with strong parental controls. The game is designed for older kids, but many families allow younger children to play under close supervision. We recommend disabling chat, requiring a PIN for in-app purchases, and limiting game time. Make sure your child only plays with friends they know and understands the importance of blocking or reporting inappropriate behavior. Talk to them about game content and monitor what they watch on YouTube. If managed carefully, some 7-year-olds may enjoy Fortnite safely.

Does Fortnite Affect Kids’ Online Behavior?

Yes, like many online games, Fortnite can influence how children interact with others. Unrestricted chat may expose kids to online safety risks such as bad language or bullying. Some players may adopt aggressive behavior or copy trends from influencers. That’s why it’s important to monitor communication and teach respectful conduct. Parents who set limits on chat, review gameplay, and check who their child interacts with tend to see more positive experiences. Keep an open dialogue with your child about what happens during their sessions.

How Do Parents Control Fortnite In-App Purchases?

Fortnite allows players to buy skins, emotes, and Battle Passes using V-Bucks, which are purchased with real money. To avoid surprise charges, set a PIN on your child’s account through the Epic Games platform or their gaming device. You can also disable purchases entirely in the parental controls menu. We recommend using prepaid cards for added security. Teaching your child how to manage in-game spending early on helps them develop responsible habits. Reviewing purchases regularly keeps spending transparent and under control.