Exploring AI in Minecraft Education: Honoring Safer Internet Day

AI technology is becoming an integral part of our everyday lives, whether it’s in our homes, workplaces, schools, or just about anywhere else. Microsoft’s latest Global Online Safety Survey reveals a notable rise in the number of people actively engaging with generative AI. In 2024, 51% of respondents reported using or experimenting with generative AI, a significant increase from 38% in 2023. It’s particularly popular among Generation Z, with 64% having tried out this tech. For those of us in the tech and gaming industries, it’s crucial to ensure that young users have the guidance they need to safely explore AI, while also encouraging their creativity and curiosity.

In line with these efforts, Minecraft Education is marking Safer Internet Day 2025 with a new addition to its CyberSafe series. This release lets players dive into the risks and potential of AI through engaging, game-based challenges. CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper invites players to set guidelines for using AI responsibly, and best of all, it’s available for free on the Minecraft Marketplace and in Minecraft Education.

Safely Navigating AI in the Real World

In this innovative DLC, players step into the shoes of a student planning a school fundraiser. As part of their preparation, they explore ways AI can help mass-produce 3D-printed animals, a project they’ve been working on in their STEM lab. Along the way, they’re confronted with some typical challenges and risks of using AI as a creative tool. They quickly realize that AI outputs can sometimes be unpredictable, emphasizing the importance of verifying AI-generated information with reliable sources. Although players won’t interact with generative AI directly within the game, the scenarios provided help illustrate responsible AI usage. Through these experiences, players will gain insight into how AI can be both helpful and problematic in the real world, fostering a critical awareness of AI’s influence in everyday life.

"At the core of AI is human ingenuity. This initiative is a fantastic way to equip teachers, kids, and families with the knowledge to use AI safely, optimizing the positive potential of human creativity," says Carlos Figueiredo, Director of Player Safety at Mojang Studios. "It’s thrilling to continue building on the success of our CyberSafe content, which has already had a worldwide impact on tens of millions of players."

Advancing AI Literacy and Competence

CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper enhances the celebrated CyberSafe DLC series, freely accessible on the Minecraft Marketplace and in Minecraft Education. This series has succeeded in imparting essential digital citizenship skills, including password safety, data privacy, and strategies to handle online bullying. A particular highlight from last year, the Good Game launch, inspired countless young players to develop their own in-game codes of conduct. Thanks to a collaboration between Xbox and Minecraft, the CyberSafe series has surpassed 80 million downloads since 2022.

In Dig Deeper, players will engage with crucial questions needed when dealing with AI or AI-generated content, helping them learn how to navigate these technologies safely and wisely. The module is designed to show that despite AI’s capabilities, it still depends heavily on human intelligence, oversight, and intervention to function properly. For more insights on navigating the CyberSafe DLC series, the Minecraft Family Cyber Toolkit offers excellent guidance.

For families seeking additional gaming resources and advice, xbox.com/family is an invaluable destination. Learn more about Xbox’s family-oriented offerings, including privacy tools, the Xbox Family Settings app, and Community Standards guidelines.

If you’re interested in Microsoft’s Global Online Survey findings and ongoing initiatives to manage the risks of abusive AI-generated content, make sure to check out Microsoft’s Safer Internet Day 2025 blog post.