Parents are already on edge about their children’s engagement with video games. Are these digital experiences isolating youngsters or fostering connections? How much screen time is too much? And now there’s an unsettling twist: Kids are choosing to watch YouTube videos of others playing Minecraft instead of diving into the game themselves.
While my children haven’t discovered Minecraft yet (we’re still mastering Old Maid), discussing this trend with fellow parents sent shivers down their spines. “That YouTuber’s voice is simply unbearable,” lamented a friend with a 9-year-old, referring to one of Minecraft’s most popular content creators. “That’s why they invented kid-sized headphones,” quipped another. “Let’s just say I’m not a fan,” added a third.
So, how detrimental is it for kids to watch instead of actively playing? Does this spell the end for the creativity and learning potential that Minecraft offers? To find out, I reached out to a few experts in gaming and education for their insights on this growing phenomenon.
The silver lining: All the experts I spoke with agreed that watching Minecraft videos isn’t inherently negative. In fact, it might even enhance the creative learning that the game promotes. Brendon Taylor, a game designer at the Institute of Play, explains, “This is a form of connected learning—where kids learn across various aspects of their lives. If they only play and never watch, they might feel stuck, limited by their own imagination. But if they’re seeking out tutorials and inspiration on YouTube, they’re expanding their understanding and creativity. Who knows, they might even create their own videos!”
The crucial factor, according to Taylor and others, is whether kids are merely passive viewers or if they’re using these videos as a launchpad for their own gameplay. If they’re absorbing new ideas and possibilities—similar to how chess players or musicians learn by watching seasoned pros—they can deepen their understanding of the game. It’s the mindless consumption of media that can be harmful.
Dr. Alex Greene, the author of a Forbes article titled “Is Everything Good About Minecraft Gone?” and a parent of two gaming enthusiasts, emphasizes that there’s nothing wrong with taking a backseat occasionally. “The key is to ensure that even passive viewing has value. Ideally, you’d watch the videos together, but let’s be honest, that’s often a tall order. Instead, engage your kids in conversations about what they’re learning. What insights are they gaining from the videos? This keeps the focus on your family values—creating and being active, rather than just passively consuming content,” he suggests. “Even if you aren’t watching, ask them to explain what they learned—this encourages active engagement.”
If you’re still concerned, consider enrolling your child in the Institute of Play’s Connected Camp. This four-week virtual Minecraft camp teaches essential skills like coding, problem-solving, and teamwork—all in a safe online setting.
So, while it’s great news for parents with Minecraft-loving kids, I couldn’t resist asking Greene about the infamous voices that plague many of these videos. He just shrugged and chuckled, “Many kids’ characters have annoying voices—ever heard Barney?”
In summary, watching others play Minecraft isn’t the end of creativity. With proper engagement, it could even enhance their learning experience. But don’t forget to have those conversations to ensure your kids are actively processing what they watch.
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