When under 12s Play Inappropriate Online Games, What Happens Next?

Fortnite, Roblox, and Minecraft are some of the most popular games in the world, played by millions of children every day. While they offer fun, creativity, and social connection, I believe that the current age ratings—sometimes as low as 7+—are far too low for the full experience these games provide. I'm writing this petition not because I play these games myself, but because I've seen how they affect my godbrother, who is younger than the recommended age. I've watched him become more distracted, more tired, and more obsessed with winning and buying things in the game. This isn't about banning games—it's about making sure they're played by people who are mature enough to handle their content, online features, and social pressures responsibly. It's about protecting kids who are still learning how to think, feel, and grow.

To: Epic Games, Microsoft, Roblox Corporation, and Game Rating Authorities (such as PEGI and ESRB)

I believe that the current age restrictions for games like Fortnite, Roblox, and Minecraft do not go far enough in protecting younger players. While these games may seem harmless on the surface—especially with their colourful graphics and creative modes—they often include online multiplayer features, voice and text chat with strangers, and user-generated content that can be unpredictable or inappropriate. These features can expose children to bad language, bullying, and even dangerous interactions with people they don't know. Some children have even been tricked or manipulated by strangers pretending to be friendly. That's not something any 7- or 8-year-old should have to deal with.

My godbrother, who is under the age of 12, plays these games regularly. I've seen how they affect his mood, his sleep, and how much time he spends away from schoolwork, outdoor play, and real-life friendships. These games are designed to be highly addictive, with constant updates, challenges, and rewards that make it hard to stop playing. He sometimes gets upset or angry when he loses, and I've seen him spend hours trying to earn skins or V-Bucks just to feel like he belongs. It's not just a game anymore—it's a system that pulls kids in and keeps them there. And when they're that young, they don't have the self-control to know when to stop. They also don't fully understand the value of money, which makes in-game purchases even more risky. Some kids have spent hundreds of pounds without even realising it.

What's even more heartbreaking is how many children in schools—some as young as 6 or 7—are playing these games every day. It's not just about fun anymore; it's about fitting in, being part of conversations, and trying to keep up with what everyone else is doing. But many of these children don't truly understand what they're playing. In Fortnite, they talk about guns and shooting like it's a joke. In Roblox, they can stumble into games with scary or violent themes. Even in Minecraft, which is often seen as safe, online servers can expose kids to inappropriate behaviour, swearing, or even online predators. I've seen kids pretend to "eliminate" each other in the schoolyard, laughing as if violence is just a game. Some of them don't even know that real guns can hurt or kill people. That's not their fault—they're too young to understand. But it's terrifying to think that games meant for older players are shaping how little kids see the world. If they grow up thinking violence is funny or normal, what kind of choices will they make as teenagers or adults? Without proper guidance and protection, these children could grow up into something terrible—people who don't value life, who don't understand empathy, or who act out what they've seen in games without realising the real-world consequences. It's not just about screen time—it's about protecting their innocence, their safety, and their future.

That's why this petition matters. It's not just about one child or one game—it's about an entire generation growing up in a digital world that moves faster than they can understand. We need to slow things down, raise the standards, and make sure that the games children play are truly safe, age-appropriate, and supportive of their development. If we don't speak up now, we risk letting entertainment take the place of education, and letting screens shape the values that should come from real life. These companies have the power to make changes—whether it's raising the age rating, separating child-friendly modes more clearly, or improving parental controls and safety settings. But they won't act unless people like us speak up.

I'm asking you to listen—not just to me, but to every child who's too young to understand what they're being exposed to. I'm asking you to think about the future, and what kind of people we want today's children to become. Games can be amazing, creative, and fun—but only when they're used in the right way, at the right time, by the right age group. Let's make sure that happens.

Let's make these games safer and more age-appropriate for everyone—especially for kids like my godbrother and his classmates, who deserve to grow up with games that support their well-being.