Why you need think twice about Roblox
What is Roblox?
It is a gaming platform aimed at children where users can play or create their own games. Millions of daily users worldwide interact with existing friends and talk to ‘new ones’ (another word might be ‘strangers’) by wandering around different user-generated worlds.
Online predators
There have been reports of online predators using Roblox to target and groom children by posing as other players and gaining their trust. There is no age verification, so any adult can register for an account and start messaging children directly. There are large numbers of reports of predators asking for indecent images of children. They can carry on until reported, and of course some don’t get reported.
Reporting usually leads to a review which is when all their interactions on Roblox are looked at. If there is enough evidence to corroborate what the user has reported them for, then they will get taken off. Of course they can then re-register with a different email address. In some cases a user’s IP address will be banned, but there’s nothing to stop them buying a new phone or laptop and carrying on. Or they could use a VPN.
Inappropriate content
Users can create their own games within Roblox – and these users range from inexperienced children to sophisticated developers so these games which vary greatly in quality and content. Some may contain inappropriate or offensive content concerning violence, sex or drugs. These games might be up for a day or a week before they are taken down. Often this kind of content comes with child inappropriate comments from players.
Cyberbullying
Like any online platform, Roblox can be a platform for cyberbullying, where users are subjected to harassment, insults or threats by other users.
In-game purchases
Roblox offers in-game purchases via robux – the in-game currency. This can lead to users spending excessive amounts of money on virtual items, or inadvertently sharing personal information.
Phishing scams
Some malicious users may attempt to trick others into sharing their personal information or login credentials through phishing scams or social engineering tactics. For example, somebody might ask your child for their log in details in exchange for robux. Children should never share their passwords apart from with their parents.
Exploits and hacks
Like any online platform, Roblox may be vulnerable to hacks or data leaks which means your child’s name, email address and bank details (or your bank details) can be exposed.
Platform safety
Roblox has had a history of security and safety issues, including data breaches, unauthorized access, and system vulnerabilities.
If you still want to go ahead and let your child play on Roblox, see our video guide about setting controls on this platform.
If you don’t want your child to download Roblox on their phone, here are two video guides to help:
How to stop your child from downloading apps on their iPhone
How to stop your child from downloading apps on their Android phone