On multiplayer, the chat function allows users to participate in discussions. You can open a chat window by pressing the 'T' button and then pressing 'Enter' to display the chat to other users. The multiplayer option enables users to play together in a single world. It’s safest to create a private server where only known friends and contacts can join. Some servers have been set up to enable children and families to play together, with strict rules on language and behaviour. A simple online search will give you server options.
Users can either play on their own in single-player, which is the safest mode because they can't use the chat function or with others in multiplayer. Privacy settings are limited in Minecraft, but there are things you can do to control what your child sees and who they interact with. These are especially important if your child is of a primary age – you may want to be more flexible with older children, depending on their maturity and ability to talk to you if they feel uncomfortable. Ask that they come to you if anything goes wrong, so you can make it stop. Speak to your child about unwanted contact and what to do if someone is being nasty or inappropriate to them in the game. Set the account up through your own email address and know their passwords – at primary age, this is not an unreasonable thing to ask.ĭiscuss which settings you are going to apply prior to their joining the site – will you allow multiplayer, for instance? If you have a young child who plays Minecraft, you might want to: Users explore landscapes and worlds and build their infrastructure from materials they find on the site.Īs with any online activity, there are some safety concerns to keep in mind. There’s nothing about the game itself that’s inappropriate for kids – in fact, it’s often been described as a virtual Lego.
Mincecraft has spawned video games which have their own ratings. The online version of Minecraft’s terms and conditions specify that under 13s need parental permission to play. In the UK, if children under the age of 13 play Minecraft without permission, it is a violation of the site’s terms and conditions but it is not illegal.ĭespite the age restriction, Minecraft is very popular with primary school children. So what should you know about helping your kids play safely? The chances are, if you have primary age children, Minecraft will be part of their world, or their friends' worlds. Minecraft is one of the world’s most popular games, especially with children. Tips from NCA-CEOP for parents on helping your child make the most of Minecraft