Fortnite has built-in voice chat that lets players talk to each other in real-time while they're playing. It's basically like a phone call that happens automatically when kids squad up with friends—or with random players they've been matched with. The voice chat turns on by default, which means your kid could be talking to strangers the first time they jump into a game.
Here's what makes this tricky: unlike texting where you can review messages later, voice chat happens live. There's no record, no way to go back and see what was said. And while playing with actual friends can be genuinely fun and social, the open nature of Fortnite's matchmaking means kids can end up in voice channels with anyone.
According to our community data, about 30% of families allow their kids to play Fortnite in some capacity—with 12% letting them play with friends specifically and 8% allowing open play with everyone. That means if your kid is playing, they're definitely not alone. But it also means this is a space where lots of kids are interacting, and not all of those interactions are appropriate.
Voice chat can expose kids to:
- Toxic language and harassment - Gaming culture can be rough, with players using slurs, aggressive language, or bullying tactics
- Inappropriate conversations - Adults or older teens discussing topics way beyond your kid's age
- Manipulation and grooming - Predators do use gaming platforms to build relationships with kids
- General chaos - Even well-meaning players can be loud, distracting, or just annoying
But here's the thing: voice chat also enables real connection. Kids coordinate strategies, joke around with friends, and genuinely have fun together. The goal isn't necessarily to eliminate voice chat entirely—it's to configure it thoughtfully based on your kid's age and maturity.
Fortnite actually has decent parental controls if you know where to find them. Here's how to lock things down:
Setting Up Parental Controls
- Create or access your Epic Games account - You'll need your own account to manage your kid's settings
- Go to your kid's account settings at epicgames.com
- Navigate to "Parental Controls" and set up a 6-digit PIN
- Choose your settings - this is where the magic happens
Voice Chat Options
You have three main choices:
Nobody - Completely disables voice chat. Your kid can't hear anyone and no one can hear them. This is the right call for younger kids (under 10) or kids just starting out.
Friends & Teammates - Only allows voice chat with people on their friends list or in their party. This is the middle ground most families land on for tweens.
Everybody - Open voice chat with anyone they're matched with. Generally not recommended unless your kid is older (14+) and has demonstrated good judgment online.
Additional Settings to Configure
Text Chat Filter - Keep this on "Mature Language Filter" at minimum. It won't catch everything, but it helps.
Hide Mature Language - Blocks profanity in text chat. Voice chat is harder to filter, which is exactly why the voice settings matter so much.
Can See Mature Language - Turn this OFF for younger players.
Require PIN for Changes - Absolutely turn this on, or your kid will just change the settings back.
Ages 7-10: Voice chat should probably be Nobody or limited to playing in the same room where you can hear what's happening. At this age, kids don't have the emotional regulation to handle toxic behavior, and they're more vulnerable to manipulation.
Ages 11-13: Friends & Teammates makes sense if you've reviewed their friends list and know who they're actually playing with. Consider requiring that they play in shared spaces where you can occasionally overhear.
Ages 14+: You might consider Everybody, but have explicit conversations about what to do when things get uncomfortable. Make sure they know how to mute individuals, report players, and exit situations that feel wrong.
The 6-digit PIN is your friend, but only if your kid doesn't watch you enter it. Set it up privately.
Voice chat settings are separate from friend requests. You can limit voice chat while still allowing them to add friends. Learn more about managing friend connections in Fortnite
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Your kid can still mute individual players in-game even if voice chat is enabled. Teach them how to do this—it's a crucial skill.
Console vs. PC settings - You'll need to set parental controls through Epic Games' website, but you can also use console-level parental controls on PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch as an additional layer.
Before enabling any voice chat, have a clear conversation about:
- What to do if someone says something inappropriate - Don't engage, mute them, tell you about it
- Never sharing personal information - Not their real name, school, location, or age
- The difference between gaming friends and real friends - Online relationships are different
- Your expectations about language - Just because other kids swear doesn't mean yours should
Consider doing a trial run where you listen in for a few sessions. Not to spy, but to help your kid process what they're hearing and develop good instincts.
Voice chat in Fortnite isn't inherently dangerous, but it does require active parenting. The default settings are too open for most kids, and Epic Games isn't going to protect your child—that's your job.
Start restrictive and loosen up as your kid demonstrates maturity. It's much easier to give more freedom than to take it away after something goes wrong.
- Set up parental controls tonight - It takes 10 minutes and you'll feel better knowing it's done
- Review your kid's friends list - Do you actually know these people?
- Have the conversation - Use specific examples: "What would you do if someone asked where you go to school?"
- Check in regularly - Make it normal to ask "anything weird happen in your games today?"
And remember, about 70% of families in our community don't allow Fortnite at all. If you're feeling overwhelmed, saying "not yet" is always an option. There's no prize for being the first parent to allow something.
Want to compare notes with other parents about Fortnite boundaries? You're definitely not figuring this out alone.