Parents are being taught the finer points of the video game Fortnite

PARENTS are being coached on how to play the hit video game Fortnite so they can better protect their kids from the wild world of online gaming.

The new programme, designed by industry experts for Guild Esports, which is based near Old Street, launched on Tuesday.

It teaches parents about online safety, how to set boundaries, and the fundamentals of the combat game Fortnite – a multi-player online “shooter” game played by millions of people across the world.

Photographer Jed Leicester, a parent participant in the initial pilot scheme, said: “It was a thoroughly interesting event that not only showcased the impressive set up at Sky Guild Gaming Centre, but also demonstrated how maturely the coaches worked with the children to map out and explain the skill sets required to achieve greatness within the sport.”

To encourage parents to join in with their kids, participants on the Parental Power Up programme will learn how to skydive, scavenge and survive to be the last player standing in the hugely popular game.

According to a recent Ofcom report, 72 per cent of children aged 8-17 play video games online, and 71 per cent of parents are concerned at the content their children are exposed to online.

Mr Leicester said: “They clearly identified the potentially harmful concepts and scenarios that we may not have considered while immersed in the gaming experience… and helped us better under­stand how, with the right guidance the virtual and real worlds can happily overlap.”