Parental controls guide
While playing, you can pause the game to manage interactions with other players.
To add, mute, block or report someone:
1. Step 1 – Pause the game, go to the options menu and choose the player you want to manage.
2. Step 2 – Select the action you want to take and follow the prompts.
What each action does:
• Add – Adds the player to your child’s friends list, allowing them to invite each other to games.
• Mute – Hides the selected player’s messages in chat.
• Block – Prevents all interaction with that player, including chat and invites.
• Report – Sends a report to Minecraft’s moderation team. Depending on the issue, this could result in restricted chat access or suspension from the game.
You can give each player in your child’s world or Realm a specific set of permissions, or use preset roles to control what they can do.
To change player permissions:
1. Step 1 – Pause the game and select the username of the player you want to manage.
2. Step 2 – Adjust their permissions based on what actions you want to allow or block, such as building or attacking others.
Some Minecraft servers are moderated by volunteers to ensure safe, appropriate environments. Sites like leahnieman.com share information about these family-friendly servers.
To connect to a trusted server:
1. Step 1 – Visit a trusted site and make a note of a recommended server address (e.g. play.towncraft.us).
2. Step 2 – In Minecraft, go to the main menu, click Multiplayer, read the warning, and click Proceed.
3. Step 3 – You’ll see a list of joined servers. Delete any that you don’t recognise or trust, then click Add Server.
4. Step 4 – Type the server address in the box and click Done. Then select the new server and click Join Server.
Minecraft lets you manage chat settings to improve safety and accessibility for younger players.
To adjust chat options:
1. Step 1 – From the main menu, click Options…, then choose Chat Settings…
2. Step 2 – Change the Chat setting to Commands Only or Hidden to limit who can message your child.
3. Step 3 – Turn off Web Links and Prompts for Links to prevent your child from clicking suspicious links.
4. Step 4 – Use appearance options to adjust text background, colour and size to suit your child’s needs.
Minecraft Realms allows you to create a private, invite-only server for your child and up to 10 friends. This offers a safer way for them to play together online.
To create a Realm:
1. Step 1 – On the main menu, select Minecraft Realms, then choose Buy a Realm!
2. Step 2 – You’ll see Realm options in your account. Choose a one-time purchase or a monthly subscription. You may wish to share the cost with other parents to manage this safely and affordably.
Many Minecraft fans also watch videos about the game on YouTube. If your child watches Minecraft content, it’s important to set up parental controls on your YouTube account to keep their viewing safe.
Visit the YouTube parental controls guide for step-by-step help.
If you’ve got a question, idea, or just want to reach out, we’re here. Fill in the form and a member of the Safe & Smart team will be in touch.
