So how does Minecraft work, and how safe is it for children? Here's everything you should be aware of.
Minecraft is a virtualsandbox' game. Players create their own virtual worlds and experiences with resources or building blocks. You have to work your way up through the basics of resources to more advanced ones, but you are able to eventually create your world in the way you want.
Although the price range can vary little depending on the platform you're using, Minecraft is never going to cost you over PS25 and this higher price includes all mods (community made developments to the game) and skins (aesthetic enhancements to the character). You can play Minecraft on a smartphone, tablet or computer.
You can play in either a single-player or multiplayer mode. Multiplayer mode lets players work together to create their Minecraft world.
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It is so popular because of this.
Minecraft is a game that is free-form. It doesn't come with a list of rules or a defined goal players are free to build and play however they like. It is often compared with Lego. Lego.
This lets Minecraft fans a lot of freedom in the way they play. They can create their own fantasy world or build a new one from scratch, they can fight against villains and go on adventure and they can play as a solo player or with their friends.
It can also be played at any level. You'll require an appropriate level of proficiency in order to progress to the next level in a variety of popular games. This can be a challenge for children as young as five who may not have the time or skills to make progress in an activity. In Minecraft children can create their own adventures at any level of play.
What should parents be aware of?
Age restrictions
Different Minecraft versions have different age restrictions. Some mods might have more violence than others. It is also important to keep in mind that Minecraft includes an in-game chat feature. The age ratings vary from 7+ to 13+.
The standard version of Minecraft's terms and conditions specify that under-13s need parental permission to play. Children under 13 are able to play Minecraft in the UK without parental permission. However, it is not illegal.
Minecraft is extremely popular with elementary school kids, despite the age restriction. There's nothing about the game itself that's inappropriate for children.
Chat functions
There are two different chat functions in Minecraft; Realms and server chats. Realm chat is hosted by the game's creators, Mojang and moderated by Mojang. They moderate it.A1 host Server chat is setup by individual players. Usually, players invite friends to join their Minecraft server and use chat. However some players provide an invitation to anyone to join.
Inform children about the dangers that come with talking to someone they don't know online.
Remember that players might also be using Discord or another chat forum with different security settings. Make sure children are not using other platforms to communicate.
Chat features let children communicate with others who share similar desires in gaming. However, there is no way to determine who these people could be. Recommend that young children don't chat with other players in-game chat unless they know them.
It is also essential that children do not share any personal information, or transfer their conversations to other websites that could be considered private.
YouTube videos of Minecraft
Many Minecraft users watch fan-created YouTube videos to improve their skills and acquire new techniques.
Many of them are suitable for children of all ages. Minecraft does not have any particular graphic content, however some of the videos feature spiders, monsters, trolls and zombies, which some children might find frightening. Some videos include explicit or sexually explicit content while others encourage bullying. Check these videos to determine whether you feel they're appropriate.
You can try searching for 'profanity-free Minecraft servers'. Even so, it may be worth checking the videos prior to letting children view them.
YouTube's Safety Mode can be turned on to block content that is inappropriate.
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Reporting functions
Minecraft currently doesn't have an instant'report' function. Your child should be careful when joining a server. Your child could be exposed to offensive language and rude comments when playing with someone older than them. Minecraft reserves the right to suspend any player who violates the conditions and terms.
You can report players by going to Minecraft's helpdesk and submitting a complaint. This is something that an adult would rather do, rather than an infant. It's a bit complicated.
With certain plugins (add-on software that extends or customises the game) You can report players who violate the rules of the server to a moderator who will ban anyone being offensive or disruptive.
Do you spot something that doesn't seem like it's right? You can email [email protected] to submit comments and feedback.
