Minecraft and Kids: Concern or Opportunity to Learn?
- steamologyhcmc
- Oct 16
- 5 min read
Minecraft is currently one of the most popular games in the world. What makes it special is that it’s not only loved by children aged 6 to 18, but also by adults who enjoy creativity and adventure in a virtual world.
What is Minecraft?
Minecraft is a globally popular video game belonging to the sandbox genre, immersing players in a virtual world. The game was created and released in 2009 by a Swedish programmer named Markus “Notch” Perssson. Later, Minecraft continued to be developed by Mojang in 2011. In 2014, Microsoft acquired the game’s rights, and it is now published by Xbox Game Studios.
Read more about Mojang and Xbox Game Studios at: https://minecraft.fandom.com/wiki/Mojang_Studios
In Minecraft, players can freely express their creativity by designing and constructing buildings, crafting tools, and creating objects using cube-shaped blocks made from in-game materials. Players are assigned various tasks such as gathering resources, crafting, and battling. Additionally, the game offers several modes, including Survival Mode, Creative Mode, and Adventure Mode, allowing players to experience different styles of gameplay.
Why is Minecraft so popular?
An open world with absolute freedom
One of the biggest reasons that Minecraft is so beloved is the complete sense of freedom it offers. Players can do whatever they want — build houses, explore, fight, or simply wander around and enjoy the scenery. There are no strict rules or forced storylines; everyone can create their own world based on their imagination. This freedom makes Minecraft a space where players can freely express their creativity and individuality.
The thrill of “starting from zero”
In Survival Mode, you start with nothing in the middle of the wild. Every block of wood you chop, every structure you build, and every night you survive brings a special sense of satisfaction. Players gradually see their creations take shape and grow, creating feelings of pride and attachment. It’s this journey from merely “surviving” to truly “mastering” that makes many people addicted to Minecraft more than any reward ever could.
Strong connectivity and community
Minecraft is not just an ordinary game — it’s a massive creative community. Millions of players around the world share their creations, ideas, and collaborate to build incredible worlds together. You can join multiplayer servers, team up with friends, or explore maps and mini-games created by other players. The sense of connection and shared passion is what makes Minecraft vibrant and enduring over time.
A relaxing and nostalgic feeling
Minecraft brings a peaceful and soothing atmosphere. Its slow-paced gameplay, gentle music, and natural scenery help players easily relax and unwind after a long day. For adults, Minecraft can sometimes feel like a “private haven” — a place to escape life’s pressures and rediscover the innocent creativity of childhood. This emotional element gives the game a timeless appeal that transcends age.
Always fresh and never boring
Minecraft is a game with virtually no limits. Thanks to its creative modding community, players can install mods, maps, texture packs, or mini-games to refresh their experience. Every time they return, there’s always something new to discover — a different world, a new challenge, or a fresh idea to build. This constant ability to “evolve” is what has kept Minecraft captivating for more than a decade.
Benefits and drawbacks of playing Minecraft
When children play Minecraft in moderation, the game can bring many surprising benefits. However, if they spend too much time immersed in it, Minecraft can have the opposite effect and negatively impact them.
The Benefits That Minecraft Brings
1. Developing Creative Thinking
Minecraft is an “open world” where players can build anything they can imagine. Arranging blocks, designing structures, or creating functional mechanisms helps children (and even adults) develop spatial awareness, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
2. Strengthening Logical and Basic Programming Skills
The Redstone system in Minecraft allows players to create electrical circuits and automated mechanisms. This process helps players—especially children—naturally become familiar with programming logic and system thinking through play.
3. Encouraging Teamwork and Communication
When played in multiplayer mode, Minecraft becomes a collaborative playground. Children learn to divide tasks, share ideas, and work together to build or survive. These are essential social skills that many other games do not emphasize as deeply.
4. Helping to Relax and Reduce Stress
With its gentle music and stress-free gameplay, Minecraft becomes a healthy form of relaxation for both children and adults. Players can build, farm, or explore freely without being constrained by goals or scores.
The Drawbacks of Minecraft:
1. Easily Addictive and Time-Consuming
Minecraft is highly engaging because there’s always something to do — building, exploring, crafting, or achieving personal goals. This can lead players to spend hours playing without realizing how much time has passed. Without proper control, excessive playtime can negatively affect sleep, health, studies, or work.
2. Reduced Focus and Academic Productivity
Playing Minecraft frequently — especially at night — can make it harder for players to concentrate on studying or return to their normal rhythm after gaming. Younger children may become easily distracted and less patient when engaging in real-life activities that require deeper thinking.
3. Impact on Physical Health
Sitting in front of a screen for long periods while playing Minecraft can lead to eye strain, neck or back pain, and reduced physical activity. Playing late at night may also cause insomnia due to blue light exposure and the brain remaining in a stimulated state after gaming.
4. Reduced Real-Life Communication
When overly absorbed in the virtual world, some players — especially children — tend to communicate less and participate less in real-world social activities. Over time, this can affect their social skills, teamwork abilities, and confidence in face-to-face communication.
5. Exposure to Inappropriate Content
Minecraft features many public servers where players from around the world can communicate and interact. Some servers may contain offensive language, bullying, cheating, or content that is unsuitable for children. Without proper supervision, kids can be negatively influenced or even put at risk when chatting with strangers.
EDUplus Minecraft Course
EDUplus offers a wide range of programs — from Robotics and Coding to Creative LEGO Building — designed for children aged 4 to 12. Among these, the Minecraft program is one of the most loved by students. In this course, children use LEGO kits — including Assorted and Mosaic bricks — to explore the world of Minecraft and unleash their creativity by building LEGO models inspired by the popular video game. This program has been implemented in many ASA (After School Activities) sessions at international schools and has received highly positive feedback from both students and parents.
We often receive heartwarming feedback from both students and parents about the Minecraft program. Many children excitedly share, “I love the Minecraft class! I got to build Steve, Creeper, and even weapons. The teachers are so fun! I want to come back and learn more — I still want to make more characters!” Parents also express their delight, saying, “My child loves both Minecraft and LEGO, so EDUplus’s program is truly the perfect combination for their interests. After class, my child keeps talking about it and asking to go back. I can see how happy and eager to learn they are — it’s definitely worth supporting!” |
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