diff --git a/init.lua b/init.lua
index 21a5e94..d3478c8 100644
--- a/init.lua
+++ b/init.lua
@@ -31,6 +31,11 @@ minetest.register_chatcommand("toggle_pvp", {
 
 -- Register the on punch player event
 minetest.register_on_punchplayer(function(player, hitter, time_from_last_punch, tool_capabilities, dir, damage)
+    -- Check if both player and hitter are valid and are players
+    if not player or not hitter or not player:is_player() or not hitter:is_player() then
+        return
+    end
+
     local player_pvp_setting = player:get_meta():get_string("pvp_enabled")
     local hitter_pvp_setting = hitter:get_meta():get_string("pvp_enabled")
 
@@ -40,6 +45,7 @@ minetest.register_on_punchplayer(function(player, hitter, time_from_last_punch,
     end
 end)
 
+
 -- Initialize PvP setting for each player as they join
 minetest.register_on_joinplayer(function(player)
     -- Default to PvP off if not already set