Xbox Marks Safer Internet Day with Minecraft Education and AI Insights

AI: A Growing Presence in Our Lives

AI is becoming a part of our everyday lives, whether we’re at home, at work, in school, or just hanging out. The latest findings from the Microsoft Global Online Safety Survey reveal something intriguing: in 2024, a whopping 51% of people are diving into the world of generative AI, up from 38% in 2023. It’s Generation Z leading the charge, with 64% of young adults saying they’ve tried their hand at this technology. With such rapid adoption, it’s crucial for those of us in tech and gaming to ensure that young users are equipped to explore AI safely. How can we foster their curiosity while keeping them informed?

Introducing CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper

In light of this growing trend, Minecraft Education is stepping up for Safer Internet Day 2025 with an exciting new addition to the CyberSafe series: CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper. This free downloadable content (DLC) invites players to tackle the complexities of AI through engaging, game-based challenges. Imagine navigating a digital world where you’re tasked with creating a fundraiser for your school, all while learning how to use AI responsibly. Sounds fun, right?

Real-World AI Challenges Await

In this new DLC, players take on the role of a student exploring how AI can assist in mass-producing 3D-printed animals from their STEM lab. But it’s not all smooth sailing! They encounter some common pitfalls of using AI as a creative tool. For instance, they may find that the AI output doesn’t quite match their expectations, highlighting the importance of verifying AI-generated results against trusted sources. While players won’t directly interact with generative AI, they’ll face scenarios that simulate its use, allowing them to learn about responsible AI practices in a safe environment.

This experience aims to cultivate a critical awareness of AI’s dual nature—how it can be both a helpful ally and a potential risk in the real world.

Empowering the Next Generation

“Human inventiveness is at the center of AI,” says Carlos Figueiredo, Director of Player Safety at Mojang Studios. “This is a great opportunity to empower educators, kids, and families with the knowledge and skills to use AI safely, maximizing human creativity and its positive impact in the world.” With the CyberSafe content already reaching tens of millions of players globally, it’s clear that there’s a strong demand for this kind of educational experience.

Building AI Literacy and Skills

CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper builds on the success of previous CyberSafe DLCs, which have already helped countless players learn essential digital citizenship skills—think password protection, data privacy, and how to handle online bullying. Last year’s launch of Good Game inspired a wave of young Minecrafters to create in-game codes of conduct. Thanks to a partnership between XBOX and Minecraft, the CyberSafe series has racked up over 80 million downloads since 2022.

With Dig Deeper, players will learn to ask the critical questions when working with AI or encountering AI-generated content. The goal? To encourage thoughtful and safe navigation of these systems. Ultimately, the experience illustrates that while AI can do amazing things, it still needs a human touch to operate safely and constructively.

Resources for Families

For families wanting to dive deeper into the CyberSafe DLC series, there’s the Minecraft Family Cyber Toolkit, packed with guidance for navigating this exciting new world. And if you’re on the lookout for more resources and tips for family gaming, don’t miss out on xbox.com/family. Here, you can find valuable information about privacy, access to privacy tools, and even the Xbox Family Settings app.

For a broader look at Microsoft’s Global Online Survey results and their initiatives to address the risks of abusive AI-generated content, check out Microsoft’s Safer Internet Day 2025 blog. It’s all about ensuring that as we embrace AI, we do so thoughtfully and responsibly. So, are you ready to explore the world of AI with Minecraft? Let the adventure begin!

Background Information

---

About Microsoft:

Microsoft, founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975 in Redmond, Washington, USA, is a technology giant known for its wide range of software products, including the Windows operating system, Office productivity suite, and cloud services like Azure. Microsoft also manufactures hardware, such as the Surface line of laptops and tablets, Xbox gaming consoles, and accessories.

  

Latest Articles about Microsoft