Let’s start with the obvious: Roblox is marketed as kid-friendly, but it’s anything but in many corners. Even with the company’s moderation efforts, explicit and violent games are still accessible to kids. I read stories of children stumbling into spaces that no parent would knowingly allow them to enter. It’s horrifying. (Hindenburg Research)
This one is every parent’s worst nightmare. Predators know where kids are, and they’re using Roblox to engage with them. Through the platform’s chat and interactive features, they build trust and can exploit the anonymity of the internet. This isn’t theoretical—it’s happening. (New York Post)
Roblox has its own in-game currency, Robux, and the system is designed to encourage spending. Kids can fall victim to scams, fake giveaways, and even peer pressure to buy more. Families have reported losing hundreds of dollars because of how easy it is for kids to make purchases. (Parents.com)
If your child is already using Roblox or begging to play, there are ways to reduce the risks, though none of them eliminate the dangers entirely. Here’s what I recommend:
Roblox has settings to limit chats, restrict access to certain games, and control how much kids can spend. Honestly, though, these measures still aren’t perfect. (NSPCC)
Make sure Roblox is played in a common area where you can see and hear what’s happening. Regularly check in on who they’re talking to, what they’re playing, and how they’re feeling about their interactions. (CarefulParents.com)
Talk to your kids about the risks. Make it clear that they should never share personal information, and they should come to you immediately if someone makes them feel uncomfortable. (Parents.com)
After everything I’ve read, I can’t recommend Roblox for kids. The risks far outweigh the rewards, and the company hasn’t done enough to create a truly safe environment. If your child is already playing, I urge you to take precautions and stay involved.
I know this all sounds overwhelming. As parents, we’re navigating uncharted waters with technology like this, and it’s okay to feel uncertain. Let’s keep this conversation open, share resources, and work together to protect our kids.
If you have thoughts or questions about this, let me know! We’re all in this together.