ROBLOX
ROBLOX
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MINIMUM AGE: 7+
WHAT IS IT? Roblox is an online gaming platform where users can play and create games, known as “experiences,” made by other players. It combines gaming, social interaction, and creativity, allowing players to explore millions of user-created worlds, customise their avatars, chat with others, and build their own games using Roblox Studio. The platform is free to use, but it includes optional in-game purchases using a virtual currency called Robux. Roblox is especially popular with children and teenagers, and it includes parental controls, safety features, and content labels to help families manage how young users interact with the platform. WHAT WE SAY: Treat with caution. ✅ POSITIVE THEMES
⚠️ KEY CONCERNS 🔞 Access to Inappropriate Content Parents can now manage their child’s Roblox settings remotely from their own device by linking their account to their child’s account after verifying their identity. From the parental controls dashboard, parents can view their child’s friends list, monitor average weekly screen time, and set daily time limits, which will lock access once the limit is reached. Communication rules have also changed for children under 13, who can no longer send direct messages outside of games and are limited to public messages within games by default, although parents can adjust these settings. Roblox has also introduced clearer content labels to describe the type of content in experiences rather than assigning simple age ratings. By default, children under 9 can only access “Minimal” or “Mild” content, with “Moderate” content requiring parental permission. Some social or creative experiences are also age-restricted for under-13s. As children get older, their account settings will automatically update based on their age, with parents notified in advance so they can review or adjust permissions. These updates aim to give families more transparency, control, and safer communication options for children using Roblox. 💬 Direct Messaging & Chat Roblox includes in-game chat so players can communicate while playing. In recent updates, users must complete an age check before accessing chat, and communication is limited between certain age groups to reduce risks for younger players. Children under 13 cannot send direct messages outside of games by default, and messaging settings can be further restricted through parental controls. However, children may still interact with people they don’t know in games, so it’s important to remind them never to share personal information. 📱 Cyberbullying Because Roblox is highly social, players can communicate through in-game chat, private messages (depending on settings), and voice chat in some experiences. Like many online platforms, this can sometimes lead to unkind behaviour, harassment, or exclusion between players. Roblox uses filters, reporting tools, and moderation systems to detect harmful behaviour, but parents should encourage children to report bullying and talk to a trusted adult if something upsetting happens online. 🚨 Online Predators & Grooming Roblox has introduced stronger protections, including age verification for chat, communication limits between age groups, and AI moderation, to help reduce contact between adults and younger users. However, as with any social platform, people online may not always be who they claim to be. Predators may attempt to build trust through friendly conversation or encourage children to move chats to other apps or platforms where safety controls are weaker. Parental supervision, privacy settings, and regular conversations about safe online behaviour remain important. 📢 Age Verification & Account Safety Roblox has introduced a major safety update requiring all users to complete an age check before they can access in-game chat, making it the first major gaming platform to require age verification for communication. To verify their age, players must either record a short video selfie, which is analysed by a third-party company called Persona using facial age estimation, or (for users aged 13 and over) upload a government-issued ID. Roblox states that any images or biometric data used for this process are deleted immediately after verification. Once verified, players are placed into one of six age groups: Under 9, 9–12, 13–15, 16–17, 18–20, and 21+, and they can only chat with users in their own group or nearby age groups. This is designed to prevent adults from freely communicating with much younger children. Roblox has also introduced a Trusted Connections feature that allows real-life friends or family members to chat across age groups by scanning a QR code from each other’s physical device, although this system is intended to make it harder for strangers to bypass the safety restrictions. 🔐 Privacy & Communication Players can customise avatars, join groups, message others, and create or share games. Roblox now requires age verification before users can access chat, and communication is limited between certain age groups to help protect younger players. However, children may still interact with people they don’t know in games, and some may feel pressured to share personal details or social media accounts, especially in group chats or external platforms. 💸 In-Game Purchases Roblox is free to play, but many experiences encourage in-game purchases using Robux (Roblox’s virtual currency). Players can spend Robux on avatar items, accessories, game perks, VIP access, or cosmetic upgrades. Limited-time offers and peer influence can encourage impulsive spending. Since Robux is purchased with real money, younger players may not fully understand the real-world cost of digital items. 🔓 Scams, Unsafe Links & Account Theft Scams remain common on Roblox and across related platforms like YouTube, Discord, or TikTok. Children may see fake “free Robux” offers, phishing links, or messages asking for login details. Clicking suspicious links can lead to account theft or loss of in-game items. Roblox warns users never to share passwords or follow links promising free currency or rewards. 🤖 Avatar Safety Roblox has also announced additional safety improvements, including proactive avatar moderation. This new AI-powered system scans avatars for inappropriate content before they are visible to other users, rather than relying only on players reporting issues. The change is significant given that Roblox users updated their avatars around 274 million times per day in 2025. The platform has also added text chat activity indicators for users who have not yet completed age verification. This means unverified users can see that chat is happening in a game, even though they cannot take part in the conversation, a feature some critics say may create a sense of missing out. |
🛡️SAFETY TIPS:
🔒🏠 Learn How Roblox Works – Explore Roblox and its Safety Centre and parental controls so you understand how the platform works. Knowing how games, chat, and friend systems operate will help you guide your child and set appropriate boundaries. 📢 Age Verification & Accounts – Roblox now requires age checks before users can access chat, but children may still interact with people they do not know in games. Remind your child never to share personal information such as their real name, school, location, or social media accounts. 👨👧 Use Parental Controls – Roblox allows parents to link their account to their child’s account, manage communication settings, view friends lists, and set daily screen-time limits. Review these settings regularly to make sure they suit your child’s age and maturity. Find out more here. 👥 Managing Friends – Encourage your child to only add people they know in real life. Even if someone seems friendly or has mutual friends, they may still be a stranger online. 💸 Talk About In-Game Spending – Roblox uses a virtual currency called Robux for avatar items and game perks. Discuss spending limits and help your child understand that Robux is purchased with real money. 🧠 Trust Their Instincts – Teach your child that if something in a game or chat feels uncomfortable or strange, they should leave the game, block the user, and tell a trusted adult. 🖥️ Keep Gaming in Shared Spaces – Where possible, encourage your child to play Roblox in shared areas of the home. This makes it easier to supervise gameplay and notice anything concerning. 🚨 Watch for Warning Signs – Changes in behaviour such as secrecy, anxiety, sudden requests for money, or strong reactions after gaming may indicate a negative online experience. 💬 Keep Conversations Open – Talk regularly about online safety, scams, bullying, and strangers online. Let your child know they can always come to you if something happens while playing. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you see suspected child sexual abuse content online, report it to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which helps remove illegal images from the internet. If you’re worried about online sexual exploitation or abuse, you can make a report to Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) - a UK law enforcement team dedicated to protecting children and young people online. For Children & young people if they're worried or want to talk, encourage them to contact Childline Online or call 0800 1111. Check out our Factsheets for further information and useful online safety tips. 
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