Is it safe for my kid to watch Minecraft videos on YouTube?
Topics:
Gaming
Social Media
Since Minecraft is a game that appeals to many ages -- and has infinite possibilities -- not all YouTube videos will be age-appropriate. The unique features of the game, including the ability for any player to create anything they want, can result in wide variations in quality, age-appropriateness, and relevance to your kid's specific interests and gaming ability. If your kid is just starting out, it's a good idea to sit with them and help them find quality videos that teach Minecraft basics. After they get some familiarity with the better Minecraft channels, you can loosen the reins. But check in, too, because a lot of Minecraft YouTubers also play more mature games (and even mature versions of Minecraft).
There are hundreds of channels devoted to Minecraft, including popular but edgy ones such as Yogscast and SkyDoesMinecraft, and it's hard to know which ones are good for kids. Although you could download an app such as Enderflix Kids, which curates only kid-friendly Minecraft videos, you know your little fanatic will be begging -- and searching YouTube -- for more. Our curated list of kid-friendly Minecraft videos on YouTube is an excellent starting point for young players.
On YouTube, even kid-friendly videos come with a few caveats. First, with many clocking in at 20 or 30 minutes, they can be a major time suck. Second, many have commercials that advertise products ranging from cars to cookies to vodka. Third, some videos contain salty language, so it's best to preview videos when possible. Learn more about the world of Minecraft and how to engage with your kid around the game.
Since Minecraft is a game that appeals to many ages -- and has infinite possibilities -- not all YouTube videos will be age-appropriate. The unique features of the game, including the ability for any player to create anything they want, can result in wide variations in quality, age-appropriateness, and relevance to your kid's specific interests and gaming ability. If your kid is just starting out, it's a good idea to sit with them and help them find quality videos that teach Minecraft basics. After they get some familiarity with the better Minecraft channels, you can loosen the reins. But check in, too, because a lot of Minecraft YouTubers also play more mature games (and even mature versions of Minecraft).
There are hundreds of channels devoted to Minecraft, including popular but edgy ones such as Yogscast and SkyDoesMinecraft, and it's hard to know which ones are good for kids. Although you could download an app such as Enderflix Kids, which curates only kid-friendly Minecraft videos, you know your little fanatic will be begging -- and searching YouTube -- for more. Our curated list of kid-friendly Minecraft videos on YouTube is an excellent starting point for young players.
On YouTube, even kid-friendly videos come with a few caveats. First, with many clocking in at 20 or 30 minutes, they can be a major time suck. Second, many have commercials that advertise products ranging from cars to cookies to vodka. Third, some videos contain salty language, so it's best to preview videos when possible. Learn more about the world of Minecraft and how to engage with your kid around the game.
