Had to delete Fortnite from my 9yo's tablet and I'm bracing for impact

Nov 261 min read

He's been playing it for like 8 months and it slowly became the only thing he cares about. Turns down sports, ignores friends invites, doesn't want to do anything else. Yesterday I just... deleted it. He cried. Actually cried lol. Now I'm sitting here wondering if I'm being a terrible parent or if I did the right thing. Wife thinks I should have warned him first but honestly the addiction was real and I wasn't sure a warning would do anything. Anyway wish me luck for the next few weeks of listening to him tell me about how unfair I am.

10 comments434 views

Comments(10)

CCarl L.Regularjust now

You're not a terrible parent. He's 9 and just lost dopamine-slot-machine access lol. The crying sucks but it passes. My 10yo did the same with Fortnite last year - took maybe 3 weeks before he actually picked up a book again. Stick with it.

WWyatt C.Regular4h ago

My unpopular take: deletion without warning is harsh. Would've been better to give him a 1-week notice, set a hard limit, then remove it. But what's done is done. Going forward maybe you can earn it back with specific conditions? Or find a replacement that scratches the same itch but healthier.

TTony V.Regularjust now

How much screen time was he getting daily? Just curious because 8 months is a long time to let it become the only thing before pulling the plug. Not judging, genuinely asking.

VVince R.Regular13h ago

This is rough but honestly necessary. 8 months of ONLY Fortnite isn't normal kid behavior, that's addiction behavior. The cravings will peak in days 3-5 then start improving. Expect: mood swings, boredom complaints, maybe some rage. Keep it deleted. Maybe offer ONE alternative activity he might enjoy - not screen-based.

CChris N.Regularjust now

Nah he's 9 not 16. No warning needed. Kids that age need boundaries set BY parents, not negotiated with parents. The "earn it back" thing just makes it a goal to work toward which defeats the purpose of breaking the addiction. Cold turkey works better for this age group.

FFred J.Regular2h ago

You're not terrible. The crying sucks but that means it was actually affecting his dopamine. Give it 2-3 weeks before you judge yourself - that's when kids usually start rediscovering other stuff.

RRyan M.New Dadjust now

The hardest part is not caving when he says 'everyone else gets to play.' Prepare yourself for that conversation now.

HHarvey L.Regularjust now

My therapist told me that the crying/tantrum phase after removing an addictive game is actually GOOD data that you made the right call. If he didn't care, it wouldn't hurt. He'll be mad but his brain will reset faster than you think.

JJosh E.Regular11h ago

Did the same thing with my 10yo and Roblox last year. First week was hell, second week he complained less, by week 3 he was asking to go bike riding with his friends again. The slow takeover thing is real and it doesn't get better on its own.

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EEric V.Regular21h ago

The fact that he turned down sports and friend invites is the real red flag though. Games are designed to be more rewarding than real life rn. You did the right thing even though it sucks to watch. Question - what DID he used to enjoy before Fortnite?