Roblox can be a fun, creative, and educational platform for children, but it’s important for parents and carers to be aware of the potential risks. By understanding how Roblox works, using the available safety settings, and maintaining open communication with your child, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience on the platform.
Last Updated29/07/2024
Roblox is a popular online gaming platform where users can create, share, and play games created by other users.
It’s a virtual universe that offers a wide variety of games and experiences, allowing players to engage in diverse activities from racing to building, exploring, and socialising with others.
Launched in 2006, Roblox has become a favourite among children for its creative freedom and interactive gameplay.
Children utilise Roblox in various ways including playing online games (entertainment), building their own online games for others to play (creative) and socialising / teamwork play (players of the games can chat, join groups and collaborate online with other players around the world.
Roblox users can buy, sell, and customise avatars (virtual characters) with virtual items using ‘Robux’, the platform's currency. You can purchase more Robux using real money.
Parental concerns around children using Roblox usually centre around in-game purchases. The platform’s virtual currency Robux can lead to spending real money.
This can be a significant issue if children make in-app purchases(/gaming/in-app-purchase-and-loot-boxes) without understanding the cost, potentially leading to unexpected expenses and financial strain on the family.
Another concern usually centres around the impact of online interactions. The social aspect of Roblox allows children to interact with strangers, which can pose safety risks.
While socialising with friends online can be beneficial, it also opens the door to potential dangers, such as exposure to inappropriate conversations or interactions with individuals who may not have good intentions.
Content variability is also an issue on Roblox. Since the content is user-generated, not all games may be suitable for all age groups.
Some games may contain inappropriate material, which can be harmful or disturbing to players who are too young to process it.
Parents and carers are encouraged to be vigilant about the games their children are playing and ensure they are appropriate for their age and maturity level.
As with most entertaining online gaming or social platforms, screen time can be a concern with extended use of Roblox by children if not managed.
Spending excessive time on any platform may affect both physical and mental wellbeing. Extended screen time can contribute to problems such as eye strain, disrupted sleep patterns, and decreased physical activity or social connectedness.
It is important for parents to monitor and regulate their children's screen time across all platforms, to ensure a healthy balance between online activities and other activities.
As with many platforms wanting to provide a safer online experience, Roblox does provide tools for monitoring and reporting that can help parents and carers keep track of their child's activity on the platform.
One important aspect is the use of activity logs. By regularly checking your child's activity history(https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/360031384652-How-can-I-see-what-my-child-is-doing-on-Roblox), you can monitor the games they are playing and the interactions they are having. This enables parents to stay informed about their children’s online behaviour and address any potential concerns quickly.
Encouraging your child to use the report and block features(https://en.help.roblox.com/hc/en-us/articles/203312410-How-to-Report-Rule-Violations) is another important aspect of maintaining their safety on Roblox. You can teach your child to report any inappropriate content or behaviour they encounter while playing. It is good advice to encourage them to use the block feature to avoid interactions with problematic players. By empowering your child with these tools, they can take an active role in managing their online safety too.
Once your child is accessing online platforms of any kind, having regular conversations with them about online safety is important. Emphasising the importance of not sharing personal information and practicing appropriate online behaviour are good foundations to talk about even from a young age.
Setting boundaries is equally valuable. Establish clear rules in the home around screen time, in-game purchases, and the types of games your child can play, and be open to re-negotiating these as your child matures and shows responsible online behaviour.
For more detailed information and step-by-step guides on setting up safety controls, visit the Roblox Safety Centre.
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