Fortnite is one of the most popular games among teens, combining battle royale gameplay with social features and frequent events. Epic Games provides robust parental controls.
13-17
Recommended Ages: Fortnite is rated T for Teen (13+). The battle royale mode involves shooting other players (cartoony, no blood), and the social features require monitoring.
Battle Royale : 100 players, last one standing wins (free)Zero Build : Battle Royale without buildingCreative : Build your own worldsLEGO Fortnite : Survival/building with LEGO (more kid-friendly)Rocket Racing : Racing game modeFortnite Festival : Rhythm/music game
Voice and text chat with strangers
Spending on V-Bucks (in-game currency)
Addictive daily/weekly challenge system
Mature themes in some user-created content
Time commitment for competitive play
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Open Fortnite Settings In Fortnite:
Menu Settings (Gear Icon) Parental Controls
2
Set Up Email Verification Epic Games will send a verification code to the account email. Enter it to access parental controls.
3
Create a PIN Set a 6-digit PIN to prevent your child from changing settings.
Warning
Don't use easily guessable PINs like 123456 or your child's birth date.
4
Configure Settings Adjust each control as needed.
Parental Controls Voice Chat Options:
Everybody : Can hear and talk to everyoneFriends, Team Members, and Connections : Friends plus people they're matched or partied withFriends Only : Only friends can voice chatNobody : Voice chat completely disabled
Recommended: Friends Only or Nobody
Random voice chat exposes children to strangers who may use inappropriate language, bully, or attempt manipulation.
Parental Controls Text Chat Options:
Everybody : Can chat with everyoneFriends, Team Members, and Connections : Friends plus people they're matched or partied withFriends Only : Only friendsNobody : Disabled
Parental Controls Filter Mature Language Enable to blur inappropriate words in text chat.
Parental Controls Online Status Control who sees when your child is playing:
Everyone
Friends
Private (no one)
Parental Controls Accept Friend Requests Options:
On: Anyone can send requests
Off: No new friend requests
Parental Controls Auto Decline Friend Requests Enable to automatically reject all incoming requests.
Parental Controls Allow Party Join Requests Control whether others can request to join your child's party.
Parental Controls Content Restrictions Fortnite experiences carry age ratings (ESRB/PEGI). Set a maximum allowed rating — your child can't access content above it without your PIN.
Parental Controls Require PIN for Purchases Enable to require your PIN for any V-Bucks spending.
Parental Controls Hide Your Username in Broadcasts Prevents username from appearing when streamers play.
If your child is under 13, Epic creates a "Cabined Account" with extra restrictions:
No text chat (can use quick chat phrases)
No voice chat by default
Limited social features
Can't make purchases without parental approval
Automatically filtered content
Sign in to your child's account on the Epic Account Portal (epicgames.com → Account → Parental Controls):
View play time
Manage friends list
Adjust restrictions
Review purchase requests
V-Bucks are Fortnite's currency used for:
Battle Pass ($10 worth)
Skins (cosmetic outfits)
Emotes (dances)
Pickaxes and gliders
Common Issue
Children often spend significant money on cosmetics. V-Bucks purchases can add up quickly.
Require PIN : Enable in parental controlsRemove Payment Methods : Don't store credit cards on the accountPlatform Controls : Use PS/Xbox/Switch purchase restrictionsV-Bucks Cards : Use prepaid cards for controlled spending
Fortnite gives each account 3 Return Tickets for refunding eligible cosmetic purchases (within 30 days). Used tickets are no longer gone forever — each one comes back 365 days after your most recent ticket, up to the maximum of 3.
Parental Controls Weekly Play Time Report Enable to receive weekly email summaries of play time.
Epic now has built-in time limits for Fortnite. In parental controls, set a daily playtime limit, choose the time windows when play is allowed, and decide whether your child can request extra time. Limits follow the account across all devices.
For coverage beyond Fortnite, also use:
Xbox Family Settings
PlayStation Family Management
Nintendo Switch Parental Controls
iOS Screen Time
Android Family Link
Fortnite uses challenges to encourage daily play. Discuss with your child that missing challenges is okay.
Enable 2FA to protect the account:
Go to epicgames.com
Account → Password & Security
Enable Authenticator App or Email 2FA
This prevents account theft (common with Fortnite accounts).
Use your email (not your child's) for the Epic account. This gives you:
Password reset control
Purchase notifications
Account security alerts
Combine Epic parental controls with PlayStation Family Management:
Communication settings
Spending limits
Play time restrictions
Microsoft Family Settings apply to Fortnite:
Set communication to Friends Only
Enable spending approvals
Screen time limits
Use Nintendo Parental Controls app alongside Epic settings.
Use Epic's parental controls plus Windows Family Safety for comprehensive coverage.
Players can create and share custom maps. Some may contain:
Inappropriate imagery
Mature themes
Disturbing content
Advanced creators can build experiences that push boundaries.
Check ratings on Creative maps before playing
Report inappropriate content
Discuss with your child what they're playing
Watch for:
Adults trying to "friend" your child
Requests for personal information
Gift offers (scam attempts)
Invitations to join external Discord servers
Never share real name, age, school, location
Don't accept friend requests from strangers
Report uncomfortable interactions
It's okay to mute or block anyone
Parental controls enabled with PIN Voice chat set to Friends Only or Nobody Text chat set to Friends Only or Nobody Mature language filter enabled Auto decline friend requests enabled PIN required for purchases Payment methods removed from account Platform parental controls configured 2FA enabled on Epic account Weekly play time report enabled Discussed online safety with child
Cabined account required
All communication OFF
No friend requests
PIN for all purchases
Supervised play only
Strict time limits
Friends Only communication
Friend requests OFF or monitored
PIN for purchases
Platform time limits
Weekly play time review
Regular check-ins
Friends Only recommended
Moderate restrictions
Discuss responsible spending
Open communication about experiences
Official Epic Games parental controls guide
Manage your child's Epic account
Drop In Safely
Fortnite is now configured with appropriate controls. Remember to check in regularly about your child's experiences and adjust settings as needed.
Follow these steps to configure parental controls. Check off each step as you complete it — your progress stays on this page.
