Why kids shouldn’t play Fortnite (a psychological explanation)

War, destruction, weapons, violence, defeating the opponent, alliances with others… Fortnite is a zombie video game released in 2017, Not recommended in the European Union (EU), to children under twelve years of age. However, it has become the fashionable online entertainment that all children talk about –especially from the age of seven–, which has made parents worry and mental health experts give their opinion.

“It is not just a video game, behind it there is a great job of assembly and creation and it delights all audiences”, says Elisa Lizeth, a psychologist specializing in childhood, adolescence and family. It is a tremendously addictive game.

The addictive effects of this game have been evidenced after in Castellón a minor had to be admitted for his addiction to the game Fortnite. He came to be online for 20 hours straight and a psychiatrist recommended his admission. The specialist has alerted parents regarding the risk of addiction that these types of games pose.

After several games, there are children who they are out of their minds and that is transferred to the socio-personal field. “I have children in my office who are seven and eight years old who play on weekends and holidays for a couple of hours at a time. Consultations to psychologists on this matter have grown because parents feel confused about the best way to act”, says Elisa Lizeth.

“The child begins playing to try and have fun. But the situation is getting worse until he doesn’t want to leave the house or be with other people”, says Adolfo Suárez, father of a 12-year-old boy who started playing the game.

Why Fortnite is so addictive and how it affects the child

The World Health Organization (WHO) has made official the consideration of online games as a disease associated with addictive disorders. Do not forget that it is always important to have a reliable and professional diagnosis. “The game is addictive due to various factors, among them, being part of a group of equals stands out, achieving a certain social status depending on who you play with and enjoying a totally personalized experience.

The child gets a positive reward, something that makes him/her look forward to continuing the game and his self-esteem is increased by his ability. The light stimuli are pleasant. The objective: To be the only survivor among so many other players”, declares the psychology expert.

The psychologist specialized in childhood, adolescence and family Elisa Lizeth explains that when a child plays Fortnite a spike of dopamine hormone is produced, a substance that causes pleasant sensations to be perceived.

Fortnite has reached the category of pathological phenomenon recognized worldwide. “The child entertains himself and talks with his friends using an infinite number of options and believes that he is in control of the game. All this combined with neuromarketing makes it the perfect trap if precautions are not taken”, asserts the expert in child psychology.

Getting addicted to this dynamic and free game that you can access quickly is very easy. “The child’s brain is developing and an addiction as such paralyzes that optimal development ”, the psychologist refers, who also points out that at younger ages the consequences are more serious, since the brain is still immature.

The consequences psychological problems for the child may not be long in coming. “Not always winning, added to an intermittent reinforcement since the prefrontal area is in full development, makes children more irritable, with emotional outbursts, hyperstimulation and anxiety, among others,” says the specialist.

When you lose control over gambling, addiction occurs.

According to professionals, the addiction to the video game is evidenced when the child does not want to be with his family and friends, he barely leaves the house, his aggression increases, he appears upset and tired and changes in their daily routine, lies or poor school performance are reflected. Why does this game manage to trap children like this? “It’s fun, I forget everything, I make friends and time goes by quickly,” an 11-year-old Fortnite player tells us.

It should not be forgotten either that Fornite is sold as a free game, but this changes when you want a more complete, fun experience that is tailored to your wishes. For this there are Premium products, a great claim for the child. “I have seen how children save their savings or money received on their birthdays for this type of product”, continues the specialist Elisa Lizeth.

Recommendations for parents

What to do to prevent children from falling into this addictive trap? Child psychologist Elisa Lizeth suggests some recommendations that can help parents in these cases:

Ask us if it is appropriate. The professional Elisa Lizeth often suggests that parents think and reflect on whether their child is responsible and mature enough, based on their age, ability and impulse control, to play these types of games. If it is not convenient, we must let the child know.

If the child asks to play a game that is not suitable for him, we must explain that it is not suitable for him.

Limit time. Professionals consider that there should be a limited time to play and, above all, do not forget that the younger the child, the less time they should play a video game. “The child must understand, through the mouth of her parents, that this game is not special, but that it is one more that he can enjoy without neglecting other topics and activities,” says the psychologist.Don’t leave him alone. It is not advisable to leave the child alone with the computer in his room. The best thing is to play in a common room. “Parents should talk openly with him and expose the consequences of misuse and abuse of it,” advises Lizeth.Give him other leisure options. Parents are the child’s main caregivers, educators and role models and should be involved and participate in their leisure. Offering them to go out of the house, outdoor activities, sports practice and meeting with other people will strengthen their feeling of relationship, sharing and learning from each other.

“If the child is more irritable, only thinks about playing the video game and refuses to leave the house and do other things, the most reasonable thing to do is to consult a specialist,” explains Lizeth.

Encourage communication. In the family and with children, the fundamental thing is to communicate, listen to each other and address different issues and points of view. It is positive to take into account the opinion of others and work in favor of the bond between the members who live together. All this will facilitate their foray into adult life and their relationship with others.