Roblox is one of the most popular online platforms in the world, with over 40 million children under the age of 13 playing every day. It’s a creative space where kids can build games, explore virtual worlds, and play with friends.
But in recent weeks, Roblox has been under fire in the news and across social media. Concerns about online predators, inappropriate content, and data privacy have left many parents asking: is Roblox safe for my child?
At AskEllie, we want to cut through the fear and misinformation to give you the facts — and practical steps you can take to protect your child.
🚨 What’s Happening With Roblox?
- Whistleblower banned: Roblox banned a man who exposed multiple predators on the platform, sparking outrage. Parents feel that instead of tackling the predators themselves, Roblox punished the person raising the alarm.
- Petition signed by 100,000 people: In response, a huge number of parents and campaigners demanded Roblox improve child safety.
- Inappropriate games: Even with maximum parental controls switched on, children as young as 8 have been able to access disturbing content, including games with sexualised or violent themes.
- Biometric verification coming: Roblox is now trialling face scans and ID checks. But parents are rightly asking — what happens to children’s biometric data? Is it stored, deleted, or misused?
⚠️ Why Parents Are Concerned
- Predators & Grooming: Open chat features and community-created games can expose children to grooming attempts.
- Unsafe Content: Games like “Public Bathroom” have raised alarm bells about what children can stumble across.
- Profit vs Safety: Critics argue Roblox prioritises engagement (and profit) over genuine child safety.
- Data Privacy: Biometric verification may stop some risks — but raises new questions about how children’s personal data is handled.
✅ How Parents Can Protect Their Children
Here are practical steps every parent should take if their child plays Roblox:
- Use Parental Controls
- In your child’s Roblox settings, set the account to “under 13.”
- Turn on chat filters and restrict in-game purchases.
- Regularly Review Games
- Check the titles your child is playing. Block or report anything inappropriate.
- Talk to Your Child
- Especially for neurodiverse children, make sure they understand:
- Never share personal info (age, address, school).
- Leave a game immediately if they feel uncomfortable.
- Especially for neurodiverse children, make sure they understand:
- Set Boundaries
- Agree on time limits and check in on their gameplay.
- Play with them occasionally to see what the environment is like.
- Stay Informed
- Keep up with Roblox safety updates and government regulations like the Online Safety Act, which is pushing companies to take child protection seriously.
💡 Final Thoughts
Roblox isn’t going away — it’s too big, and millions of children enjoy it daily. But parents need to be aware of the risks, set strong boundaries, and stay informed.
At AskEllie, our mission is to help families cut through fear and rumours with facts you can trust.
👉 If you’re worried about online safety or need SEND-focused parenting support, visit www.AskEllie.co.uk.
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