In celebration of Safer Internet Day on February 11, Minecraft is sharing its “Top 5 Tips for Safe Gaming,” aimed at helping families across Australia and New Zealand navigate online spaces with confidence.
Recent research from the Office of the eSafety Commissioner in Australia reveals that 89% of individuals aged 8-17 have engaged in playing games online. Among these young gamers, 40% have interacted with people they did not know offline. Furthermore, 40% of children aged 8-12 and 44% of teens aged 13-17 reported negative experiences while gaming, including instances of bullying and hate speech. Additionally, over half (51%) of teen gamers encountered potentially harmful content.
Similarly, in New Zealand, Netsafe found that 80% of children aged 8-17 engage in online gaming, but half of teenagers reported conflicts with friends due to time spent online.
These statistics emphasize the ongoing need for effective safety measures and parental guidance in the ever-evolving digital landscape. As digital platforms increasingly influence both entertainment and education, this year’s Safer Internet Day theme, “Together for a Better Internet,” serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration in creating a safer online environment.
To equip young gamers and their parents with the tools needed for a safer online experience, Minecraft has developed its “Top 5 Tips for Safe Gaming.” These tips are designed to empower parents and ensure a safe gaming environment for their children:
Top 5 Tips for Safe Gaming
1. Understand Online Interactions:
· Teach children not to share personal information like their real name or address.
· Familiarize them with Minecraft’s reporting tools for inappropriate behaviour.
· Encourage open communication about any uncomfortable interactions.
· Adjust chat settings to control who can contact your child.
· This guide can help you and your child understand how to use Minecraft’s reporting tools
2. Set Up A Child Account:
· Use the Xbox Family Settings App to create child accounts with age restrictions.
· Customize content settings to block unsuitable games and apps.
· Enable weekly activity reports to monitor gaming habits.
· Activate the “Ask to Buy” feature for in-game purchase approvals.
· Check out this page on setting up a child account
3. Recognise In-Game Purchases:
· Explain the difference between virtual currency and real money.
· Set spending limits on your child’s account.
· Review purchase requests together to align with family rules.
· See here to understand how to set up approval needed for purchases
4. Balance Screen Time:
· Create a schedule that includes designated times for gaming, homework, and outdoor activities.
· Use tools within the Xbox Family Settings app to set playtime limits.
· Promote regular breaks during gaming sessions.
· Model balanced screen habits by engaging in non-screen activities as a family.
· Check out this guide on setting screen time limits in the Xbox Family Settings App
5. Build a Safe Online World:
· Help your child set up private servers to play with friends they know in real life.
· Teach them how to use moderation tools to manage player interactions.
· Organize supervised group activities within the game.
· Stay informed about the latest updates and safety features in Minecraft.
· See here for how to set up a private server
