Most international days come and go without much fanfare, but others are actually really important and something we should sit up and pay attention to.
February 11th is Safer Internet Day, and Microsoft’s Xbox and Minecraft entities are sharing its “Top 5 Tips for Safe Gaming,”. Many families struggle with the growing challenge of keeping their kids safe as they engage in gaming online.
As someone who grew up with console gaming that ultimate transitioned to gaming online, I’m a digital native, but there’s a lot of generations that didn’t. If you didn’t grow up with the internet and online gaming, then you likely need some help, as the challenges are substantial.
The following tips are aimed at helping families across Australia and New Zealand navigate online spaces with confidence.
Recent research indicates that as many as 89% of individuals aged 8-17 have engaged in playing games online. While that’s an amazing statistic that shows our love for gaming, its important that those gaming experiences remain positive, but that doesn’t happen automatically.
Among these young gamers, 40% have interacted with people they did not know offline. Gaming can be a great opportunity to meet like-minded people with hobbies and interests similar to yours, so while this isn’t automatically an issue, it does present a risk that needs to be managed.
The survey result showed 40% of 8-12 year olds and 44% of 13-17 year olds reported negative experiences while gaming, including instances of bullying and hate speech.
These statistics emphasize the ongoing need for effective safety measures and parental guidance in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Digital platforms, particularly gaming, increasingly influence our kids and 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 parents and gamers with the tools needed for a safer online experience, Minecraft has developed its “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
“As a leader in the gaming industry, Xbox is committed to fostering a safe and positive environment for players of all ages. By leveraging the educational potential of Minecraft, we aim to provide families with practical guidance to enhance their gaming experiences while prioritizing safety.”
Xbox Spokesman
Xbox’s Trust and Safety team is dedicated to ensuring peace of mind for players and families while gaming and adopt a comprehensive approach to safety, privacy, and community health, empowering parents, children, and caregivers with the necessary tools and education for safer gaming experiences.
If you’re looking for more resources and tips for family gaming, visit xbox.com/family.
You can learn more about what Xbox offers for families, including information about privacy and access to privacy tools, the Xbox Family Settings app and Community Standards.
