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Cyber Expert Reviewer:
Reviewed on Dec 7, 2022
Roblox is a large, popular online gaming platform where users create and share their own virtual 3D worlds or use their avatar to play games and interact in worlds designed by other users. Game designs and objectives are limited only by user imagination (and their coding abilities), and include anything from shooter-style or fighting games to sports, murder mysteries, or virtual pet care.
Although the cartoon block-style graphics make Roblox appear to be child-like, it is a highly interactive, multi-player global platform where users of all ages can connect and chat via voice or text. Many parents don't actively supervise their children when they are playing Roblox or ensure the game's safety settings are enabled, and consequently, there have been some incidents of online grooming and children encountering inappropriate content on the platform.
Our online safety experts recommend Roblox for players aged 13 years or over; however, with appropriate online safety settings and supervision in place, this game can be suitable for children from 11 years of age.
Although Roblox can be played for free, users are encouraged to use real money to buy Robux (the platform's currency) that can be exchanged for avatar skins, accessories, and other virtual tools and content. We strongly recommend parents disable in-app purchases on their child's device and that they never link their credit card to their child's Roblox account, until their child is developmentally mature enough to make responsible spending decisions. Please see the ‘How to’ section of this app review for detailed instructions on disabling in-app purchases.
Both parents and child users should be aware that there are many online scammers claiming to have ‘free’ Robux to share. There is no such thing – the only way to obtain Robux is to purchase them from the platform.
Interaction with strangers In Roblox, users interact with each other within games through voice and text-based chat. If chat is enabled, users can communicate with players of all ages on the platform, and therefore, younger children are highly likely to interact with strangers and adults, placing them at risk of online grooming and coming into contact with inappropriate content. When players enter a virtual world on Roblox, they can view a list of the other users in that world and send (and receive) friend requests. If the messaging function is switched on, friends on the platform can message each other privately. We strongly recommend parents turn off the game's chat and messaging functions and include rules and expectations regarding online interaction as part of their family tech agreement.
Inappropriate content Although much of Roblox's content is child-friendly, some virtual worlds and games may feature content that is unsuitable for younger players, such as violence or weapons, or adult-only content that spills over from other platforms, such as the ‘Squid Game’ show streamed on Netflix.
Sexually explicit content, including games where players use their avatars to talk about or engage in simulated sex (commonly known as 'condos') also occurs on Roblox; however, this type of content breaches the community guidelines and is usually taken down by the platform very quickly (as part of a recent Terms and Conditions update, Roblox prohibited any ‘dating and romantic’ content). It is important to know that while children do sometimes stumble upon these inappropriate spaces, they are unlikely to come across these types of games unless they actively seek them out using relevant keywords.
Keep in mind that if your child has a 13+ account, they will be shown player ads for other game experiences on the platform that they will be able to click on and visit (player ads are visible on 12 and under accounts as well, but are not clickable).
Online bullying Problematic behaviors associated with online bullying can be a common Roblox risk. Even with chat filters enabled, users find ways to insult and tease others, and there is often player pressure to spend big on in-app purchases. Incidents have also occurred where children have shared their Roblox password and then had their account hacked and their in-game creations destroyed by other players as a devastating result. Make sure that you and your child utilize Roblox’s reporting function, if needed, for incidents of more serious bullying or harassment, and that your child knows they can always block a user they don’t wish to interact with.
Screen time When appropriate safety settings are implemented, Roblox can be a fun, creative platform for children; however, with the average user spending 2.6 hours a day immersed in the game, it is vital parents ensure healthy screen time limits are included as part of their family's tech agreement. We encourage parents to co-play this and other games with their children before they set up rules for their tech agreement, in order to gain an insider’s perspective of their child’s gaming experience.
If you find you've been added to a group that you don't want to be a part of, you can leave the group by clicking on the settings button (the gear icon) and select 'Leave Group'.
If you find that a stranger has entered your chat group, or someone is being mean and you want them removed, you can remove someone from the chat group by clicking on the settings button (the gear icon), selecting the button that looks like three dots next to the user you wish to remove, and select 'Remove'.
The Gold Standard: COPPA [Implemented globally, legally enforced only in the U.S.]
California: CCPA
U.K and Europe: GDPR-K
Australia: Online Safety Act 2021