Is Roblox Safe for Kids? What You Need to Know

Roblox is an ever-growing online game universe where players can jump from one game to another or even craft their own. Believe it or not, this digital wonderland has been around since 2006, but only recently has it become a global sensation with millions of players. It's not just for the kiddos; even grown-ups can have a blast.

However, the big question on many parents' minds is, "Is Roblox safe for kids?" Fear not; we've got you covered with expert advice on ensuring your kids can play safely, setting up those all-important parental controls, understanding what Robux is all about, and how to dodge those sneaky surprise charges.

Why do kids like Roblox?

According to the Roblox website, Roblox is a virtual playground where you can jump into all kinds of games cooked up by either yourself or other Roblox players. "It's like a universe with no boundaries—you have the freedom to build your dream theme park or morph into a virtual superhero whenever the mood strikes," says homemaking strategist and parenting expert Kelleigh Beckett.

"This creative aspect makes it a big hit with kids and contributes to the game's popularity. On top of that, it's also a place where you can hang out with friends and play games together or chat online."

Kids also enjoy playing Roblox because they can make their character (avatar) however they want. They can change everything from how it looks to what it wears and moves using the Avatar Game Settings and HumanoidDescription. They can make real money by selling game passes or Robux, the in-game cash.

Is Roblox safe for kids?

With Roblox, players can build and play games with friends and have a great time. However, there's no age limit on who can play, which can be problematic for parents. Because of this, Common Sense Media, an American nonprofit organization providing reviews and ratings for media and technology, says it's best recommended for kids 13+.

Younger players may not be able to discern who to trust, and some parts of the game might be too frightening.

On the flip side, Beckett explains that Roblox has different age categories: all ages, 9+, 13+, and 17+, so every player can find a suitable experience based on their age. Reena B. Patel, a parenting expert, positive psychologist, and licensed educational board-certified behavior analyst, points out that the game requires parental consent for players under 18 and offers parental controls to keep younger users safe.

However, she also suggests that it's essential for parents to supervise and be involved in their children's gaming experience.

Does Roblox have parental controls?

According to Patel, parents can control different levels and ratings for games. "You can set up a pin, manage logins, and even control who your kids can chat with within the game," she explains. "You can also decide what level of access your kids have."

Visit the Roblox website for strategies on setting up two-step verification. This provides extra protection and reports any players who might be bothering your child.

Can you monitor the chat on Roblox?

Yes, you can keep an eye on the chat in Roblox. Beckett says the game has chat filtering and parental controls, and parents can create accounts with strict chat settings to limit interactions. "Roblox offers robust parental controls to manage content, messages, chats, and account settings for kids," she says.

Additionally, Patel adds that voice chat also has age limits. She explains, "You can also completely turn off the chat function, which is great if your child is not playing supervised."

Can you spend money on Roblox?

Roblox has its virtual currency called Robux. According to the Roblox website, players can get Robux in a couple of ways: you can buy it in the Roblox apps for mobile, browser, and Xbox One, or you can earn it by selling clothing on the Roblox Marketplace or by creating and monetizing your games.

To ensure you don't get surprise credit card charges, Beckett recommends setting monthly spending limits and using parental controls to handle in-game purchases better.

Can strangers talk to my child on Roblox?

Strangers can talk to children on Roblox, as Patel explains that there are chat boxes within the games that allow chatting with others in the game. Parents should set privacy settings and teach their kids about online safety to ensure children's safety on Roblox.

Beckett also recommends discussing with children the importance of reporting suspicious behavior and talking to their parents if they feel uncomfortable.

This approach parallels teaching kids to speak up in real-life situations and report any wrongdoing. Beckett emphasizes, "Just like teaching them to speak up when something's wrong in the real world, the same goes for Roblox. If something doesn't sit right, we report it."

FAQs

What are the risks of cyberbullying and unwanted contact on Roblox?

Patel explains that Roblox is a place where people can easily talk to each other, allowing players to chat with different individuals in various chat boxes. While this can help players make new friends, it also makes them vulnerable to cyberbullying.

Beckett suggests that parents should improve parental controls, monitor their children's usage, and have open conversations about online safety to prevent this. She says, "We regularly discuss online safety and monitor their gaming sessions just like we read bedtime stories."

How can parents guarantee online safety for kids on Roblox?

You can do a few things as a parent to keep your kids safe while playing Roblox. According to the Roblox website, you can set up parental controls, turn off chat features, and adjust access to different game parts based on your child's age.

But it's not just about the technical stuff. Beckett says it's also essential to have open conversations with your kids about what they're doing in Roblox and educate them about what kind of information is safe to share online.

She tells Today's Parent, "I always remind my kids that sharing personal information online is a big no – it's like telling a stranger your home address. Instill this rule early on, and your kiddos will thank you later.

It's also important to keep those lines open about their online experiences. I always ask. 'What's new in Roblox today?' It's like their digital show-and-tell, and boy, do they have stories!"

Are there human moderators to ensure respectful interactions on Roblox?

Roblox has players of all ages, and some moderators oversee any inappropriate behavior and sexually explicit content. The Roblox website states that a large team of human moderators reviews every uploaded image, audio, and video file for safety.

The Roblox Trust & Safety Advisory Board also includes globally recognized digital safety experts who help create a secure and enjoyable environment for all users.

However, Beckett says it's important to remember that parental supervision and involvement are key. "You wouldn't leave sharp objects lying around, right? So why leave your child's online experience unguarded? Dive into those controls and customize them. It's like picking the right helmet for their biking adventures—essential and personal."

Experts

• Reena B. Patel, a parenting expert, positive psychologist, and licensed educational board-certified behavior analyst
• Kelleigh Beckett, a homemaking strategist and parenting expert