Roblox Safety for Kids: Key Risks Every Parent Should Know

Wondering if Roblox is safe for your kids? With millions of young players worldwide, Roblox offers a unique gaming experience full of creativity and social interaction. However, it also comes with risks that every parent should understand. This blog dives into key safety concerns, supported by real-world examples and research, while providing actionable tips to protect your child.

Cyberbullying Risks in Roblox

Roblox is a social platform where players interact in virtual worlds. Unfortunately, this interactivity can sometimes lead to cyberbullying. A study revealed that nearly 10% of participants identified Roblox as the game with the highest incidents of cyberbullying (Lewis, 2023). This aligns with broader concerns about the mental health impact of online harassment, such as depression and anxiety. A 2023 BBC report highlighted instances of children being targeted by bullies within the game’s chat features, prompting calls for stricter moderation (BBC News, 2023). While Roblox does attempt to moderate conversations especially of those under 13 years of age, children and predators alike are quick to find ways around new measures. 

Inappropriate Content and How to Spot It

Roblox’s user-generated content model allows for unparalleled creativity but also introduces risks of exposure to inappropriate material. While the platform has moderation in place, some games contain violent or sexual themes, with games aimed at running over as many people as possible, or sexually suggestive actions included in others. Research shows that exposure to such content can negatively impact children’s behavior (Villani, 2001). In 2022, The Guardian reported on explicit content found in Roblox, sparking outrage and increased scrutiny over the platform’s safety features (The Guardian, 2022).

Online Predators and Grooming: A Growing Concern

The social aspect of Roblox, including in-game chat and friend requests, can potentially expose children to online predators. While the platform claims to include safety measures and to work with rapid response teams, predators often exploit the trust of younger players. A 2022 investigation by BBC News uncovered cases where adults used Roblox to groom children, emphasizing the importance of parental vigilance (BBC News, 2022). In one widely reported case a predator paid for an uber to pick up and transport an underage child across US state lines, this user was convicted and sentenced to 15 years jail. Whilst in November 2024, Roblox announced they would update their platform to prevent children under 13 years old from being sent messages from users outside the game platform, in-game interactions remain a concern, as predators constantly find the means to circumvent new measures. 

Managing Financial Risks on Roblox

Roblox features an in-game economy where players purchase items using Robux, a virtual currency bought with real money. This system can lead to unexpected financial consequences if not monitored. In 2021, ABC News Australia reported on an Australian family shocked by a $6,000 bill after their child unknowingly made in-game purchases (ABC News Australia, 2021). Such incidents underscore the importance of setting spending limits and educating children about the value of money in the context of digital transactions (King & Delfabbro, 2018). This also ties into the online predators risk, with children being offered free Robux if they do a task for the person. This is a pathway predators use to lure children off the platform and onto other mediums such as snapchat. 

Preventing Gaming Addiction and Excessive Screen Time

Like other highly engaging online games, Roblox has the potential to encourage addictive behavior. In one example, a U.S. teenager admitted to playing for up to six hours daily, leading to deteriorating grades and social isolation (CNN, 2022). Prolonged screen time impacts the development of children’s brains, as well as having an affect children’s physical health, academic performance, and social development, as confirmed by studies on media exposure and its impacts (Villani, 2001). Parents should establish clear time limits and encourage diverse activities, both online and offline, to ensure a balanced lifestyle.

Broader Risks of Online Gaming Platforms

While Roblox is a focal point, other online platforms also pose risks. Augmented reality games like Pokémon Go have raised concerns about safety in physical spaces, such as trespassing and injury (Serino et al., 2016), and communication platforms such as Discord have raised concerns regarding accessibility of unsuitable content. Parents need to adopt a comprehensive approach to digital safety across all platforms, that is based around education. Children commonly reported feeling embarrassed about discussing concerns with parents, which allowed behaviours to continue. 

Recommendations for Parents

My primary recommendation is not to allow children access to Roblox or similar platforms that have such high levels of risk. Systems which only allow interaction with know friends, or limited online access are the most suitable. 

However if this isn’t an option for your family, here’s how you can help your child stay safe while enjoying online games:

1. Enable Parental Controls: Use robust settings to restrict chat features and limit access to age-appropriate games.
2. Monitor Gameplay: Regularly check what your child is playing and with whom they’re interacting.
3. Set Spending Limits: Prevent financial mishaps by setting up purchase restrictions and discussing digital purchasing responsibility. 
4. Discuss Online Safety: Teach your child about recognizing inappropriate behavior and reporting it.
5. Encourage Balance: Set time limits for gaming and promote offline activities to ensure a well-rounded lifestyle.

Conclusion

Online gaming can be a safe and enjoyable platform for kids, but only when parents stay proactive about understanding its risks. By enabling parental controls, monitoring gameplay, and fostering open communication, you can ensure your child enjoys Roblox without compromising their safety.

A documentary on the topic was undertaken by Bloomberg and can be viewed within this article: https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2024-roblox-pedophile-problem/