Yahoo News Parents warned over dangers of paedophiles using popular online game to prey on children
Parents have been warned over the dangers of online game Fortnite, amid fears that it could be used by paedophiles to prey on innocent children.
The National Crime Agency says voice and text chats between players are unable to be switched off, meaning that young children are potentially speaking to strangers online.
Fortnite users have already reported adults making sexual remarks to children, with one mother claiming that her 12-year-old son was offered £50 for a sex act.
The game, which sees 100 people battling against other in a combat scenario, has prompted the NCA to offer a warning.
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‘Fortnite is immensely popular with children and teenagers across the country’, an NCA spokesperson said.
‘It features voice and text chat which cannot be turned off, so it’s important that parents and teachers understand that risks broader risks associated with the game and enable safe playing.’
Last month, the mother of a 12-year-old boy from Merseyside discovered that her son had been contacted while using the game.
Another mum of two also overheard a man attempting to groom her son while he played the game.
He reportedly asked the boy: ‘Do you know what sex is?’
’It was disgusting. He asked if ‘Danny’ [his gaming name] had a fanny and knew what sex was’, she told The Sun.
‘He was coaxing him to put his headset on. The tone of this person’s voice was horrible.’
The makers of Fortnite have been contacted for comment.
