How safe is Roblox for kids? – An update to keep you in the know

TL;DR

• A majority of kids and teens today are using Roblox – an online gaming platform where users can play games, build games, and interact with other users
• Roblox doesn’t collect identifying information because it was created for kids, but predators can use this anonymity to their advantage
• The Roblox universe runs on Robux – a currency that can be purchased by adults to entice or bribe kids on the platform
• Roblox comes with risks, but there are updated safety features you can use, such as restricting direct chat with other users or setting Robux spending limits

Read our previous blog about Roblox here

What Is Roblox Anyway?

Roblox has over 77 million daily active users, 32 million of whom are under age 13 (Bloomberg, 2024). The platform was initially created as a place for kids to be creative and learn how to build their own games online, and now there are millions of games in the universe. Because it was originally made for kids, Roblox collects very little information from users. Many older teens and adults use Roblox now too. Unfortunately, some users leverage anonymity to their advantage posing risks for kids on Roblox. The sheer size of Roblox, number of users, and potential risks may feel overwhelming for parents to navigate, which is why we’re here to help!

The good news is, you don't need to be a tech wizard to make Roblox a safer space for your kid or teen. You already have the most important tools – your engagement and curiosity as a parent. This isn't about banning fun or hovering constantly; it's about understanding the environment and using the available tools (both on and off the platform) to guide your child confidently. Think of it as teaching them playground rules, but for the digital age.

Decoding Robux: It's Not Monopoly Money

If you’re a parent of a kid as young as age 6 and even into their later teen years, chances are you know what Robux are. Many kids and teens ask their parents for Robux for their allowance or as a reward for good behavior. If you’re not familiar, Robux are the virtual currency of the Roblox gaming world. Kids are excited by Robux, or rather what Robux can be used for– Robux can be used to customize avatars by buying clothes and accessories, for in-game experiences like skipping levels or access to VIP games, or even shopping at virtual stores like Walmart and Starbucks. But, Robux isn’t simply “fake money” because it can be purchased and exchanged for real-world money.

Free Robux? A Red Flag! Like any other currency, Robux can be stolen or used to gamble and bribe other users. Bloomberg media put out an investigative piece on Roblox where they shared several examples of adults taking advantage of kids on Roblox. Robux were used to entice underage gamers as a grooming tactic in exchange for sexual acts in games, child porn, or inappropriate interactions in real life. Similarly, a report from More Perfect Union interviewing kids who engage in game development on Roblox, revealed instances of financial and child labor exploitation.

Curious to know more? You can explore the Bloomberg documentary and the companion article.

Updated Roblox Safety Features

New Safety Features on Roblox and How You Can Make the Best Use of Them

You can now take steps to deploy new safety features. In November 2024, Roblox introduced some new safeguards. Overall, age limits have been put into place for specific content. You, as a parent, can create a Roblox account linked to your child’s, employ monthly spending limits, and use additional safety features to help guide which experiences you are comfortable with your child accessing. 

How to make the most use of Roblox’s new safety tools

Kids are going to use Roblox. Rather than placing harsh limits or banning Roblox altogether, we want to help you keep your child safe, healthy, and happy as they engage online.  Here is a quick summary of the new Roblox safety features and how to access them.

1. Limit Chat using Communication Controls: Chats increase the likelihood of your child interacting with strangers or more mature users. Limiting chat features can reduce the chance of risky interactions. You can:
• Disable experience chat: Select "No one" to set who your child can message with inside experiences.
• Restrict experience direct chat: Select “No one” to limit who your child can message 1:1 in experiences.
• Platform Chat, where users can chat with other users outside of experiences, is an exception and cannot be restricted for users over 13
• More information on limiting chat features on Roblox can be found here under Communication Controls
2. Keep Robux in check with Spending Controls: You can place monthly spending limits on your child’s account for Robux and other Roblox subscriptions.
• How to Set Spending Limits - from Roblox
3. Create your own Roblox account and link it to your child’s: Creating your own account allows you to manage your child’s account without needing to login to their account.
• Linking instructions from Roblox
4. Limits under age 13: Users under 13 now have some limits on Roblox
• Children under 13 years old can no longer directly message (“Platform Chat”) other users on Roblox outside of games or experiences. This change mitigates some risk of those under 13 interacting with strangers, older teens, or adults who may share inappropriate content on the Roblox platform.
• Those under age 13 also can’t send direct messages to other users within games, but can send “public broadcasts” within the game.
• Some experiences are age-gated based on content maturity. 
5. Content Maturity Labels: These can help guide your understanding of what content your child may encounter in experiences and games. You can also set maturity controls for your child.
• Kids under age 9 can only access “Minimal” or “Mild” forms of content
• Check out the descriptions from Roblox below (https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/8862768451604-Content-Maturity-Labels)
• How to set maturity controls - from Roblox

Use Roblox as an opportunity to connect with your child or teen

• Be Curious, Not Accusatory: Ask open-ended questions about their Roblox time. "What games did you play today?" "What was the coolest thing you built?" "Did you play with any friends?" "Did anything weird or uncomfortable happen?"
• Talk About "Stranger Danger" Online: Explain that online "friends" are still strangers. Emphasize never sharing personal information like their real name, school, address, phone number, or passwords.
• Discuss In-Game Purchases: Help them understand that Robux cost real money. If they use Robux, talk about budgeting and responsible spending.
• Create a Team Mentality: Frame safety discussions as working together. "Let's figure out how to make Roblox fun and safe for you."

Teach Digital Citizenship Skills

Although Roblox has made some safety updates, there are still risks with using Roblox, such as cyberbullying and inappropriate content with violent or sexual themes. You can equip your child with the knowledge to handle tricky situations themselves.

• Blocking and Reporting: Show them how to block users who make them feel uncomfortable and how to report inappropriate behavior or games directly within Roblox. Let them know it's okay – and important – to use these tools.
• Recognizing Scams: Talk about common scams (like fake "free Robux" offers) and why they shouldn't click suspicious links or give away account information.
• Taking Breaks: Encourage healthy screen time habits. Set limits for Roblox play, just like you would for screentime generally, TV, or other activities.

We want you to feel empowered in your digital parenthood to raise a well-informed digital citizen so that your child is better able to engage in online gaming and interactions more safely with eyes open.

This article was created in partnership with Bayley Taple.

References

https://www.bloomberg.com/features/2024-roblox-pedophile-problem/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6PYj93SGxc

https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/categories/200213830-Parents-Safety-and-Moderation