bullying Archives

AppWizard

February 14, 2025

‘Minecraft’ Gets Free “CyberSafe AI” DLC, Teaching AI Literacy to a New Generation

Mojang Studios and Microsoft released the "CyberSafe AI" DLC as part of their educational content series, aimed at teaching users about the applications and challenges of artificial intelligence. The DLC is free and available on the Minecraft Marketplace. A Microsoft Global Online Safety Survey indicates that in 2024, 51% of individuals reported using generative AI, up from 38% in 2023, with Generation Z leading at 64%. The DLC allows players to simulate AI usage while learning about the importance of verifying AI-generated information. The CyberSafe series has achieved over 80 million downloads since its launch in 2022, focusing on digital citizenship skills. The experience encourages critical questioning of AI content and emphasizes the need for human oversight in AI systems. Families can access additional resources through the Minecraft Family Cyber Toolkit and Xbox's family gaming platform.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Minecraft is a digital playground for learning and growth

Minecraft has over 141 million active players and serves as a platform for children to explore, create, and interact, significantly impacting child development, social interactions, and cognitive learning. Researchers from the University of South Australia found that collaborative play in Minecraft fosters skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Dr. Vincenza Tudini highlights that the game encourages creativity and social growth, promoting pro-social behavior among players. Minecraft enhances language development and digital literacy through gameplay interactions. The game cultivates problem-solving and teamwork skills as children collaborate to overcome obstacles. However, there are risks associated with its open online environment, including cyberbullying and interactions with strangers. Parents and educators are encouraged to implement safety measures, such as using private servers and teaching responsible online behavior. Minecraft Education Edition is being used in classrooms to teach subjects like coding and mathematics, transforming learning into an interactive experience. The study on Minecraft's impact is published in the journal Children’s Online Learning and Interaction.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Minecraft Education Launches CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper

Mojang has released a new downloadable content (DLC) for Minecraft Education called CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper, coinciding with Safer Internet Day. This DLC aims to educate players about the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence (AI) through gameplay. Players take on the role of students organizing a fundraiser and explore AI technology for 3D printing animals, facing challenges that emphasize responsible AI usage. The DLC does not involve direct interaction with generative AI but simulates its use to foster understanding of responsible engagement. CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper builds on previous CyberSafe DLCs, which have educated players on digital citizenship skills. The CyberSafe series has achieved over 80 million downloads since 2022, and players can use the Minecraft Family Cyber Toolkit for additional support.

AppWizard

February 11, 2025

Minecraft’s Top 5 Tips for Safer Gaming

Minecraft is promoting "Top 5 Tips for Safe Gaming" in recognition of Safer Internet Day on February 11, aimed at supporting families in Australia and New Zealand. Recent statistics show that 89% of individuals aged 8-17 in Australia engage in online gaming, with 40% having interacted with strangers and over half of teen gamers encountering harmful content. In New Zealand, 80% of children aged 8-17 are involved in online gaming, with half of teenagers reporting conflicts with friends due to gaming. The tips include: 1. Understand Online Interactions: Teach children not to share personal information, use reporting tools, and maintain open dialogue about interactions. 2. Set Up A Child Account: Use the Xbox Family Settings App for age-appropriate accounts and content settings. 3. Recognise In-Game Purchases: Differentiate between virtual currency and real money, set spending limits, and review purchase requests. 4. Balance Screen Time: Create a balanced schedule for gaming and other activities, set playtime limits, and encourage breaks. 5. Build a Safe Online World: Help set up private servers, use moderation tools, and organize supervised activities within the game.

BetaBeacon

February 7, 2025

Top 7 mobile games like The Last of Us

Life is Strange is a captivating mobile game available on iOS, Android, PC, consoles, and Nintendo Switch. The game offers an episodic experience with a choice-based narrative where players control Max, a photography senior with the ability to rewind time, shaping the storyline with their decisions.

AppWizard

December 26, 2024

Devoted Dad Quit His Job to Run First Minecraft Server for Autistic Kids

In 2013, Stuart Duncan, known as AutismFather, created Autcraft, a dedicated Minecraft server for children with autism and their families, to provide a safe and inclusive online environment. This initiative was inspired by his son's love for Minecraft and the bullying faced by many children on the autism spectrum in traditional gaming spaces. Duncan left his job as a web developer to focus on Autcraft full-time, which now serves over 17,000 players. The server includes supportive features like the "Bully Board" for sharing experiences of bullying and emphasizes community connection and mutual support.

AppWizard

October 27, 2024

Players Kept Bullying Him In Minecraft, So He Built A Hidden Trap Door And Waited For Them To Return

A player known as OP joined a Minecraft server and established a base near a rail system. He faced harassment from two younger players, Noob1 and Noob2, who repeatedly eliminated him. Despite the challenges, OP built a fortress to protect his belongings. After being infiltrated multiple times, he devised a trap beneath his fortress's gate, which would drop players into a concealed pit filled with arrows and lava. When Noob1 and Noob2 approached, OP activated the trap, causing Noob1 to fall and lose his gear while Noob2 logged out in panic. OP collected the dropped items, including diamond armor and ender pearls, and refused to deactivate the trap for Noob2, enjoying his revenge.

AppWizard

October 20, 2024

How a single dad from Timmins, Ont., built an alternate Minecraft server for the autistic community | CBC News

Stuart Duncan, a father from Timmins, Ontario, created the AutCraft server in 2013 to provide a safe gaming environment for autistic children who faced bullying on public Minecraft servers. Players must receive approval from moderators to join, ensuring respectful treatment and support. Initially expecting around a dozen players, Duncan received 750 requests within two days of announcing the server. AutCraft has since welcomed over 17,600 players, fostering a sense of belonging and creativity. Duncan's work has been recognized in the book "The World of Minecraft" and a special edition of Time Magazine. He has also delivered a TED Talk on the benefits of Minecraft for children with autism and is inspiring others to create similar supportive communities.

AppWizard

October 20, 2024

When His Young Daughter Began Getting Bullied Online, This Dad Refused To Let It Go Until He Uncovered The Culprit

A father discovered that his daughter was being bullied by a player named "Little head" (LS) while playing Minecraft. Concerned about her distress, he monitored her activities and found that LS was harassing her and other children. The daughter had recorded the incident, which provided crucial evidence. The father investigated LS's online presence, uncovering personal details, including his claimed age and Skype contact information. He identified LS's real identity through Facebook, confirming it with LS's father. After sharing the evidence, LS faced consequences, including revoked computer privileges for the summer, and it was revealed that he was only 11 years old. This incident led to discussions on Reddit about the implications of young children engaging in online content creation and the ethics of doxing a minor.