Introduction
Epic Games recently made changes that makes it easier for parents to lock down child accounts belonging to users who are 13 and under. If you’re a parent who wants to either restrict who your child can voice chat or text with, prevent mature text from being shown in chats, restrict the ratings associated with games they can purchase and play, get a report of how much time they spent playing Epic Games on a weekly basis, or much more, you can easily do it by setting up Epic Games parental controls.
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Steps to Set Up Parental Controls on Epic Games Account
- Open up a web browser, navigate to the Epic Games website, and then log in to the Epic Games account you want to set up parental controls for. You’ll land on your Epic Games home screen.
- Click your Epic Games account name at the top of the screen to open a menu, and then click “Account” in this menu. You’ll land on the Epic Games account screen. Account Settings will be selected in the menu on the left side of the screen by default.
- If this is a child account, you’ll want find Account Information on the right side of the screen, and then find Parent or Guardian Email Address in this section. Make a note of the email address in this section, as this is the email address associated with the account, and where any reports, notifications or requests will be sent.
- Click “Parental Controls” in the menu on the left side of the screen. You’ll be prompted to set up a parental controls PIN for this Epic Games account. Again, this will let you manage access to social features, purchasing, game content and more.
- Enter a 6-digit code, and then click “Create PIN.” Make a note of this PIN somewhere safe so you don’t forget it. In case you do forget it, don’t worry, you can easily reset your Epic Games parent PIN code. You’ll land on the Epic Games Parental Controls screen.
- In the Epic Games Payment section you can toggle on the option to always require the parent PIN to be entered for purchases.
The Epic Games Store section is where you can limit the rating associated with various game rating systems that can be purchased with this Epic Games account.
The General Social Permissions section lets you require that the parent PIN code be entered for this account to add Epic friends.
You can also adjust who your child can speak with using Epic voice chat and text chat.
And finally, you can use the Additional Permissions section to filter out mature language in the Epic text chat, and receive weekly playtime tracking reports at the parent or guardian email address associated with your child’s Epic Games account.
Reasons to Set Up Parental Controls on Epic Games Account
1. Monitor Screen Time
Monitoring screen time is pivotal for children’s overall development. Parents use this function to oversee the hours spent on Fortnite, Rocket League, and Fall Guys. Excessive gaming can crowd out crucial activities like studying or physical exercise. With this feature, parents can create a balance, allowing kids to enjoy their favorite games in a controlled manner.
2. Manage Online Interactions
Online games connect children with players globally. While this interaction is part of the charm of games like Fortnite and Rocket League, it presents a potential risk. Children may encounter inappropriate language or behaviors. Parental controls act as a safeguard, limiting these interactions to ensure children engage in a safe gaming environment.
3. Prevent Inappropriate Content
Many games, including Fortnite and Fall Guys, vary in content and age ratings. Parental controls allow parents to filter out games unsuitable for their child’s age. This ensures kids only access content that aligns with their age and maturity, fostering healthy gaming habits.
4. Control In-Game Purchases
In-game purchases are common in Fortnite and Rocket League. Without checks, children could inadvertently rack up large bills buying skins, emotes, and enhancements. Parental controls give parents the power to manage these purchases. It helps keep gaming fun without surprising costs.
5. Prevent Addiction
Preventing addiction is a critical reason for parental controls. The thrilling worlds of Fortnite, Rocket League, and Fall Guys can grip children, leading to excessive gaming. Parental controls allow parents to set limits on gaming time, making sure gaming doesn’t become a disruptive habit.
6. Safe Community Participation
Large online communities surround games like Fortnite and Fall Guys. These spaces, while great for discussing game strategies, can contain harmful content. With parental controls, parents can manage their child’s involvement in these online communities, enhancing their safety.
7. Manage Privacy Settings
Maintaining privacy online is essential, especially for children. Games like Fortnite and Rocket League involve sharing and receiving information. Parental controls enable parents to protect their child’s personal information, maintaining a shield between their private life and the gaming world.