eSAFETY GUIDE
Minecraft logo

Minecraft

10+
Minimum age according to Minecraft
10+ Minimum age according to Minecraft

What is Minecraft?

Minecraft is a video game where players build with a variety of blocks in a 3D environment to create their own world. It is an open world or sandbox game, meaning that players have the ability to create, modify or destroy their environments, and they are free to choose how they play the game. Common activities include exploration, resource gathering, building structures, crafting objects or items, and combat with enemies or other players.

Minecraft can also be played in two different modes: creative and survival. In creative mode, players build anything they want with unlimited resources, and they cannot get hurt or die. In survival mode, players need to collect resources, manage their health and protect themselves from danger.

There are two main editions of Minecraft: Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. Java Edition is the original version, made for computers. Bedrock Edition works across phones, tablets, consoles and computers. Bedrock is the version most people play as it works across many devices.

Minecraft can be played both online and offline. In the online version, there are multiplayer options – for example, players can join their friends’ worlds or a public multiplayer server. In these public servers, players can interact with others in the Minecraft world. They can send messages to each other via text chat, and add other players to their friends list. However, Minecraft can also be played in single-player mode, with no other players present.

Minecraft states that child accounts have multiplayer disabled by default. A parent must turn it on before their child can use multiplayer features, and the age for this varies between countries.

Minecraft is a paid game and there is also in-app purchasing available.

Website: minecraft.net

Apps: Android app, Apple iOS app

How do people use Minecraft?

Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use online games like Minecraft.

Minecraft is used for: gaming, in-app purchasing, messaging/online chat, online relationships, screen capture and voice chat.

Third party voice chat apps are also commonly used by players of Minecraft to allow them to talk to one another.

How can you mute, block or report someone?

This link is provided by Minecraft:

How can you protect your personal information?

These links are provided by Minecraft:

  • Privacy settings 
    Learn how to change your privacy settings and make your account as secure as possible.

Key safety links

These links are provided by Minecraft:

  • Support Centre
    Provides a range of general help, safety and security information.
  • Parental controls
    Provides information on the parental control options available for Minecraft.
  • Stay safe on Minecraft multiplayer
    Learn how to turn off multiplayer mode, block communication settings and set up a child account.
  • Terms and conditions
    Provides information on what is expected from you in order to use and play Minecraft.
  • Privacy statement
    Outlines Microsoft’s privacy policy including the information they collect and how they use your data.

Social media changes

From 10 December 2025, certain social media platforms are not allowed to let Australian children under 16 create or keep an account.

Find out more at eSafety’s social media age restrictions hub.

About The eSafety Guide

The eSafety Guide helps you find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. Entries are for information only and are not reviews, endorsements or assessments against any legislative definition by eSafety. Before choosing to use any online service or platform it’s best to:

  • do your own research to understand the risks and benefits
  • check the age rating and requirements
  • consider privacy
  • check the permissions and other settings
  • check the in-app reporting options.

If you are a parent or carer who is deciding whether a child should be allowed to use an online service or platform, you can also:

  • consider your child's readiness for the types of content and experiences they might encounter
  • help them understand what to do if they need help
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring, for example through regular check-ins with your child
  • agree to some rules about use of each service or platform.

To find out more, you can read the App checklist for parents, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and apps and mental wellbeing resources for families.