MINECRAFT
MINECRAFT
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MINIMUM AGE: 7+
WHAT IS IT? Minecraft is a game that lets you build and create a virtual world using building blocks. There is a multiplayer function to explore the worlds created by other users and to combat, chat and play with them. WHAT WE SAY: Safe, but discuss safety tips with children. 🔞 Access to Inappropriate Content While Minecraft’s default game is family-friendly, multiplayer servers and community-created mods or maps may expose players to inappropriate content such as violent role-playing, offensive language, or mature themes. Some servers allow chat and interactions that may not be suitable for younger players. 💬 Direct Messaging and Chat Minecraft enables players to communicate through text chat in multiplayer worlds and servers. This opens opportunities for strangers to contact your child, potentially leading to sharing personal information. Parental controls and server settings can limit or disable chat features to reduce risks. 📱 Cyberbullying Due to its social multiplayer nature, Minecraft players can experience bullying, harassment, or exclusion from others online. Chat and voice communication can sometimes be used to send hurtful messages. Active monitoring and open communication are recommended to support children. 🚨 Online Predators and Grooming Minecraft’s popularity means children may interact with strangers, some of whom might have harmful intentions. Predators can attempt to gain trust through chat or private messages, sometimes bypassing filters and controls. Vigilant supervision and using official or trusted servers help reduce risk. 📢 Account Safety & Age Verification Minecraft accounts require an email and password but do not enforce strict age verification. Younger players may access features meant for older users, and account security is vital to protect personal data and prevent unauthorised accessed chat. 🔐 Privacy Concerns Players can customise their avatars (skins), join servers, and interact with others. Usernames and chat logs can be viewed by other players. Children may be pressured to share social media or personal details, especially when playing on open or unmoderated servers. 💸 In-Game Purchases While the base game is purchased once, some Minecraft versions (like Bedrock Edition) offer additional content such as skins, texture packs, and worlds through the Minecraft Marketplace. Some servers may have donation systems or in-game perks for sale. Children should understand real money is involved. 🔓 Scams, Unsafe Links & Account Theft Scammers may target Minecraft players with fake giveaways, hacks, or free skin offers that trick users into giving away login info. Players might encounter unsafe links on forums, chat, or video platforms that can lead to malware or theft. Encourage caution when clicking links or sharing information. |
🛡️SAFETY TIPS:
📲Understand the game Familiarise yourself with the games features and how they work. Knowing how the app works will help you guide your child effectively. Find a child-friendly server. A server is a single world or place in the game. 👨👧Parental supervision Check their interactions and adjust privacy settings accordingly. Turn off chat. In the multiplayer mode of Minecraft children can chat with people they meet. Make sure you read the 'Safety tips for Minecraft Multiplayer'. 💸Limit In-App Purchases Set spending limits or disable in-app purchases on your device to avoid accidental or excessive spending. 🚨Avoid Unofficial Downloads Stick to downloading the game from official sources (like the App Store or Google Play) to avoid malware, data breaches, or compromised versions. 📢Underage Accounts This game might have an age restriction but it lacks a proper age verification process. Therefore, there’s little stopping users from faking their dates of birth or creating bogus profiles and targeting children and young people. 👥Manage friend requests Teach your child only to accept friend requests from people they know in real life. 📷 Cover the Webcam When Not in Use Physically cover your camera when you're not ready to go live. Always be mindful of what’s visible in your background—it can reveal location clues. 🧠 Trust Your Instincts If something feels uncomfortable, it is uncomfortable. Leave the chat immediately and don’t engage with users who seem suspicious, aggressive, or inappropriate. 🖥️ Place Devices in Shared Spaces Keep internet-connected devices in living rooms or kitchens, not bedrooms. This makes risky behaviour less likely and easier to notice. 🙋♀️Conversations: Have open discussions with children and young people about the topics associated with online use - bullying, grooming, sexual and criminal exploitation, body image, as well as accessing support and how to report. 🚨 Know the Signs of Trouble Watch for behaviour changes—like anxiety, secrecy, mood swings, or suddenly deleting apps. These can signal something inappropriate happened online. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you discover criminal content when online then report it directly to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation. If you're worried about online grooming or sexual behaviour online then report directly to the police or contact CEOP. For Children & young people if they're worried or want to talk, encourage them to contact Childline Online or call 0800 1111. Check out our Resource Centre for further information and useful online safety tips. |
