If you’re a parent of a Roblox-obsessed child, you’re not alone. Roblox has become one of the most popular platforms for children — especially those with SEND — to socialise, create, and play. But behind the fun is a worrying truth: your child could spend hundreds or even thousands of pounds before you realise it.
Why Is This Happening?
Roblox uses its own in-game currency called Robux, which doesn’t look or feel like real money to children. It’s bright, colourful, and addictive. Many games on the platform are designed with endless opportunities to buy skins, upgrades, and perks — and the more your child plays, the more they’re nudged toward spending.
To make matters worse:
- There are no in-built spending limits.
- Refunds are rarely granted, even in obvious cases of unauthorised purchases.
- Payment platforms like Apple and Google often side with the app developer, not the parent.
One parent recently told us their child spent over £4,000 in Roblox without their knowledge — money that was never refunded.
Why It Hits SEND Families Harder
Children with autism, PDA, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental differences often experience high levels of focus and emotional regulation difficulties. The instant rewards and fast feedback loops of games like Roblox make them especially vulnerable to compulsive spending.
What Makes It Even Worse
Roblox and other platforms profit from this confusion:
- Robux masks the real cost.
- Parents are rarely notified in real time.
- Game developers design microtransactions to appear harmless, fun, or even essential.
It’s a perfect storm — and companies are profiting from your child’s lack of financial awareness.
5 Things You Can Do Right Now To Protect Yourself
- Turn on “Ask to Buy” (Apple) or Family Link (Android)
- Require parental approval for every purchase.
- Disable in-app purchases entirely
- Go into your phone or tablet settings and switch them off if possible.
- Use gift cards instead of linked cards
- Only top up Robux with a pre-paid gift card you control.
- Check purchase history regularly
- Look for strange or repeat purchases on Apple/Google accounts.
- Talk to your child
- Help them understand that Robux = real money. Use simple visuals or comparisons if needed.
What To Do If It Already Happened
- Contact your bank immediately to flag any suspicious charges.
- Submit refund requests to Apple, Google or Roblox — even if they say no at first.
- Consider raising a complaint with the Financial Ombudsman if your bank won’t help.
The Bigger Picture
Platforms like Roblox have created a digital playground with no fences. While it’s fun and creative, it’s also a business — and children are the target market. As parents, we need to stay one step ahead.
If you’ve been affected, or want step-by-step support to protect your family from future issues, our free AI assistant AskEllie+ is here to help.
Visit AskEllie.co.uk or search “AskEllie+” inside ChatGPT’s Explore tab.
Let’s protect our kids — and our wallets.
AskEllie+ is a free AI assistant created by SEN parents, for SEN families. It provides clear, legal-based answers to support you through EHCPs, school issues, and now — digital safety too.
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