In recognition of Safer Internet Day on February 11, Minecraft is taking proactive steps to support families across Australia and New Zealand by sharing its “Top 5 Tips for Safe Gaming.” This initiative aims to empower parents and children alike to navigate the online gaming landscape with greater confidence.
Recent findings from the Office of the eSafety Commissioner in Australia highlight a significant trend: 89% of individuals aged 8-17 engage in online gaming. Alarmingly, 40% of these young players have interacted with strangers, while a similar percentage of children aged 8-12 and teens aged 13-17 reported negative experiences, including bullying and hate speech. Furthermore, over half of teen gamers have encountered potentially harmful content.
In New Zealand, a study by Netsafe reveals that 80% of children aged 8-17 are involved in online gaming, with half of the teenagers acknowledging conflicts with friends stemming from their gaming habits. These statistics underscore the pressing need for robust safety measures and parental oversight in an increasingly digital world.
This year’s Safer Internet Day theme, “Together for a Better Internet,” serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of collaboration in fostering a safer online environment. To assist families in this endeavor, Minecraft has curated its “Top 5 Tips for Safe Gaming,” designed to equip parents and children with essential tools for a secure gaming experience.
Top 5 Tips for Safe Gaming
- Understand Online Interactions:
- Teach children the importance of not sharing personal information, such as their real name or address.
- Familiarize them with Minecraft’s reporting tools to address inappropriate behavior.
- Encourage open dialogue about any uncomfortable interactions they may encounter.
- Adjust chat settings to control who can contact your child.
- Refer to this guide to help you and your child navigate Minecraft’s reporting tools.
- Set Up A Child Account:
- Utilize the Xbox Family Settings App to create child accounts with appropriate age restrictions.
- Customize content settings to block unsuitable games and applications.
- Enable weekly activity reports to keep track of gaming habits.
- Activate the “Ask to Buy” feature for in-game purchase approvals.
- Explore this page for guidance on setting up a child account.
- Recognise In-Game Purchases:
- Clarify the difference between virtual currency and real money to your child.
- Set spending limits on their account to promote responsible gaming.
- Review purchase requests together to ensure they align with family rules.
- Visit this link to learn how to set up purchase approvals.
- Balance Screen Time:
- Create a balanced schedule that includes designated times for gaming, homework, and outdoor activities.
- Use tools within the Xbox Family Settings app to set playtime limits.
- Encourage regular breaks during gaming sessions to promote healthy habits.
- Model balanced screen time by engaging in non-screen activities as a family.
- Check out this guide on setting screen time limits in the Xbox Family Settings App.
- Build a Safe Online World:
- Assist your child in setting up private servers to play with friends they know in real life.
- Teach them to utilize moderation tools to manage player interactions effectively.
- Organize supervised group activities within the game to foster a safe environment.
- Stay informed about the latest updates and safety features in Minecraft.
- Refer to this resource for guidance on setting up a private server.
