What Is Minecraft? An App Review for Parents

Harmful Content 😲

Minecraft has the potential for violent content — players can kill each other and animals. But there’s also good news: The pixelated imagery renders aggressive actions like these a little less scary than they’d typically be in other games. 

In addition to violence, players can also join multiplayer servers and play with strangers. This could introduce kids to inappropriate content in the chat and expose them to potential online predators. Minecraft does have in-game chat filters that work to screen harmful messages, but they’re not perfect. Fortunately, you can also manage whether your child plays in multiplayer mode, so that lets you minimize that risk.

Predation 🚨

Any time a game has a chat or direct message function, the opportunity for online predation exists, and Minecraft is definitely no exception to this rule. The game’s parental controls (discussed below) allow you to manage this and other in-game functions to help protect your kid.

Privacy 🔒

Because Minecraft requires players to have a Microsoft login and gamertag, it’s important to pick usernames that don’t reveal identifying information. Also, if you choose to let your kid use the chat function, talk to them about not revealing personal details to strangers, and let them know they can always come to you if someone makes them feel uncomfortable.

Parental Controls ✅

Kids under 13 have to get parental permission before creating an account. By default, all child accounts have their multiplayer and communication settings blocked. You can manage parental controls for Minecraft through your child’s Microsoft account (which, in turn, is managed on the Xbox website, since Microsoft owns Xbox). 

This may sound confusing, but the Xbox website allows you to manage Minecraft on iOS/Android in addition to Xbox and Windows. But once you do, you can:

• Prevent multiplayer access
• Block your child’s ability to add friends
• Block voice and text chat in multiplayer settings

Bark also provides assistance for Minecraft. We’re here to help you keep your kid safe by allowing you to:

• Block Minecraft on iOS and Android entirely, if needed.
• Manage when your child can play Minecraft throughout the day.

So, should my kid download it?

Probably! With multiplayer mode disabled, your kid is free to safely explore and build to their heart’s content in creative mode. What is Minecraft’s biggest draw? The fact that it unlocks a child’s imagination! 

Plus, as your child matures, you can allow them to join servers with just their friends. Like with every app, we recommend sitting down with your child and watching them play. Ask questions, get excited, and see why they love it. They may impress you!