Minecraft's multiplayer features let kids play with friends and join communities, but they also introduce safety risks. This guide helps you navigate multiplayer safely.
💡Start Single Player
If your child is new to Minecraft, let them play single-player for at least a few weeks before introducing multiplayer elements.
📖Table of Contents
Multiplayer Options Ranked by Safety
1. Local Network Play (Safest)
- Play with family members on the same Wi-Fi
- No internet strangers involved
- Perfect for siblings or parent-child play
2. Private Worlds with Known Friends
- Invite specific friends only
- You control who can join
- Can remove players if needed
3. Well-Moderated Public Servers
- Carefully vetted servers with active moderation
- Appropriate for ages 10+ with supervision
- Requires research to find good options
4. Open Public Servers (Highest Risk)
- Anyone can join
- Minimal or no moderation
- Not recommended for children under 13
Setting Up Safe Multiplayer
For Minecraft Bedrock Edition (Most Platforms)
📋Step-by-Step Guide
1
Open Minecraft and go to Settings
2
Navigate to "Profile" → "Privacy Settings"
3
Set "Multiplayer Game" to "Friends Only"
4
Set "Join Multiplayer Games" to "Enabled" (but only with friends)
5
Set "Communication with Voice and Text" to "Friends Only"
For Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac)
Java Edition requires more manual oversight since server selection is open:
📋Step-by-Step Guide
1
Research servers before your child joins them
2
Look for family-friendly server lists and reviews
3
Start with well-known moderated servers
4
Monitor which servers they connect to
Choosing Safe Servers
Green Light Servers (Ages 8+)
- Mineplex: Family-friendly minigames with good moderation
- Hypixel: Large, well-moderated server with various games
- CubeCraft: Simple games designed for younger players
Research Checklist for New Servers
- Does the server have clear rules posted on their website?
- Is there an active moderation team?
- Are there age-appropriate content policies?
- Do other parents recommend it in forums/reviews?
Red Flags to Avoid
- Servers with inappropriate names
- No clear rules or moderation policy
- Advertising that seems aimed at adults
- Servers asking for personal information to join
Platform-Specific Safety Settings
Xbox and PlayStation
📋Step-by-Step Guide
1
Use your console's family safety controls
2
Set communication preferences to "Friends Only"
3
Enable content filtering for user-generated content
4
Review friend requests together
Mobile Devices (iOS/Android)
📋Step-by-Step Guide
1
Enable restricted profile creation in Minecraft settings
2
Use device-level parental controls to limit online interactions
3
Disable in-app communications if possible
4
Monitor app usage through screen time controls
Nintendo Switch
📋Step-by-Step Guide
1
Set up parental controls through the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app
2
Restrict communication features
3
Set time limits for online play
4
Enable play reports to see what they're doing
Teaching Safe Multiplayer Behavior
Before They Start Playing Online
Have a conversation about:
- Never sharing personal information (real name, address, school, phone number)
- What to do if someone makes them uncomfortable (leave the server, tell a parent)
- Appropriate language and behavior online
- Not accepting gifts from strangers (in-game items, real money, etc.)
Ongoing Safety Practices
📋Step-by-Step Guide
1
Check in regularly about who they're playing with
2
Review their friends list periodically
3
Ask about their favorite servers and why they like them
4
Play together occasionally to understand their online environment
Managing Friend Requests
Safe Friend Policies by Age
Ages 6-9:
- Only add friends they know in real life
- Parent approval required for all friend requests
- Regularly review and clean up friends list
Ages 10-12:
- Can add school friends with parent knowledge
- Discuss each new friend request together
- Remove friends who make them uncomfortable
Ages 13+:
- More independence with oversight
- Teach them to evaluate friend requests critically
- Maintain open communication about online friendships
Warning Signs to Watch For
⚠️Consider If...
- -Secretive about who they're playing with
- -Receiving in-game gifts from 'friends' they've never met
- -Someone asking to move conversations off Minecraft
- -New friends asking lots of personal questions
- -Mood changes after playing online
- -Reluctance to play when you're watching
Creating Positive Multiplayer Experiences
Family Minecraft Ideas
- Build family projects together (recreate your house, build a theme park)
- Create challenges for each other (scavenger hunts, building contests)
- Educational builds (recreate historical landmarks, explore geography)
- Holiday celebrations (build seasonal decorations together)
Friend Group Activities
- Collaborative cities: Each friend builds a neighborhood
- Adventure maps: Explore custom maps together
- Mini-games: Simple competitions like racing or hide-and-seek
- Learning projects: Build while learning about architecture or engineering
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Gradually Increasing Freedom
Ages 6-8: Supervised Introduction
- Local network play only
- Parent present during all multiplayer sessions
- Friends they know in real life only
Ages 9-11: Guided Exploration
- Can play on pre-approved servers
- Friends list reviewed weekly
- Discussion about each new server before joining
Ages 12-14: Monitored Independence
- Can research and suggest new servers for approval
- More freedom with known friends
- Regular check-ins about online interactions
Ages 15+: Earned Independence
- Can make most server choices independently
- Focus shifts to digital citizenship and online reputation
- Support available when issues arise
Bottom Line
Minecraft multiplayer can be a wonderful way for kids to collaborate, learn, and socialize—when properly managed. The key is starting with the safest options and gradually expanding based on your child's maturity and demonstrated responsibility.
Remember: You can always tighten restrictions if problems arise. It's better to start conservative and loosen rules than to start permissive and have to restrict access later.
Most importantly, maintain open communication about their online experiences. Kids who feel comfortable talking to parents about problems are much safer in any online environment.