There is a new installer available for windows version of Minecraft which has a private version of JRE and does not require standard system-wide version of Java installed.

https://minecraft.net/download

Minecraft for Windows Download and run Minecraft.msi. This will install Minecraft and create a shortcut in your start menu. If you'd like a version without an installer, you may use Minecraft.exe instead. You do not need Java installed to run either of these.

You might see it differently, but I never let kids update software on their own.

If you are always holding their hands, they are going to be unknowing when they grow up.

Let them see for themselves why they shouldn't install the Java runtime and explain to them why it's bad.

My parents were very strict about me not using knives when I was growing up, and it took me 30 years to finally get mostly comfortable with using knives in the kitchen. Yes, I've never cut myself with a knife, but I also rarely cook as a result.

Sure, and that's a good idea. But I believe OP's point was the inclusion of the [crap|mal]ware in the first place, not what a reasonable response to it is.

That makes you a good parent. As would the converse.

Apparently, you can turn the crapware offer off.

https://www.java.com/en/download/faq/disable_offers.xml