A British survey shows that many parents do not strictly adhere to age recommendations for video games. More than half of the surveyed parents would allow their children to play games rated 18 and over. The debate is currently sparked by Fortnite, which is recommended by the German USK for ages 16 and up.
What kind of survey is this? Childcare.co.uk surveyed more than 2000 parents in the United Kingdom about their views on age recommendations for video games. Parents with children aged 5 to 16 were interviewed (53% boys, 47% girls). Most respondents to the survey were mothers (72%).
Video games rated 18? Not a problem for many – but no movies rated 18
Games rated 18? No problem: More than half of the parents would allow children to play a video game rated 18 without supervising them or researching the game beforehand. 86% state that they do not follow age recommendations for video games.
Movies rated 18? Definitely not: Hardly anyone would allow their 10-14 year old child to watch a movie rated 18. Only 18% would find that acceptable. Only 23% stated that they do not adhere to the age restrictions for movies.
Further insights on video games:
- 86% of respondents believe that video games have no effect on children’s behavior or their future paths
- 62% have tried to take a game away from their children but returned it after the child complained
- And 48% fear that their child is addicted to video games
Fortnite sparks debate
At what age is Fortnite recommended in Germany? The debate about age recommendations had actually not been a major topic for years. It has now been reignited by the game Fortnite. The purchase version “Save the World” was originally rated 12 by the USK in Germany – the popular version “Fortnite Battle Royale” had long not been tested. Only with Fortnite’s release on the Nintendo Switch did this change. The USK recommended a rating of “From 16” for Fortnite: Battle Royale.
Since the shooter with comic graphics is currently extremely popular among teenagers, many parents wonder: “At what age should I let my child play Fortnite?”
