Roblox is a user-generated online gaming platform where students have the option to choose from a wide variety of games to play or even create their own. With millions of daily active users, Roblox offers a vibrant global community with the ability to connect with friends and immersive experiences are created. However, it's important to be aware of safety concerns like child predators and cyberbullying.

In this guide, we'll explore the features of Roblox, where it is available, why students are drawn to it, and the importance of parental involvement and privacy settings for a safe gaming experience.

Parent training video

Roblox Safety Settings Video

What is Roblox?

• Roblox is a user-generated online gaming platform that allows users to play a wide variety of games, create games, and chat with others online while in the ultimate virtual universe (Source: Hootsuite)
• Roblox has more than 66 million daily active users in their online global community with 67% of those being under the age of 16
• Users with an existing Roblox account can create games on Roblox Studio and upload games to the site for others to play
• Each player uses a customized avatar and Roblox offers a limited number of free customizable options
• Most virtual items cost “Robux” (Roblox Corporation in-app purchase). players can earn the currency or purchase it (Source: Pocket Gamer)
• Adopt Me! is the most popular game on Roblox with more than 32 billion visits by Roblox players. Brookhaven is the 2nd most popular game with over 29 billion visits (Source: Statista)

Is Roblox safe for kids?

• Even with parental controls, users still interact with strangers every day so kids are susceptible to being targeted by predators through live chats even in good games
• Since Roblox creators can upload their own games, inappropriate and graphic content can appear in any game
• Players over 13 can opt-in to a voice chat feature to communicate with friends online and other players in the game (Source: Roblox)
• Cyberbullying is prevalent, especially the type that shames players for not spending money (Robux) on their avatar
• Since there isn't a definite end to Roblox, it may be difficult for some players to limit their game time, increasing the risk to develop screen time addiction

What can parents do?

• Sit down and play Roblox with your students for at least 15 minutes a week to understand how they play the game, and build a connection with your kids by having fun together every day
• Discuss safety concerns with them about the chat features and who it is appropriate to talk with and what topics are never appropriate to talk to strangers or with friends online
• Encourage your kids to only play in one Roblox account that you use together
• Encourage your student to always talk with you, or a trusted adult, if a situation makes them uncomfortable when playing games
• Consider using a visual timer, like an egg timer or a timer on mobile devices to track how much time your student has left to play
• SmartSocial recommends setting everything to “Friends” or “No One”
• Players can adjust their settings for who can send them messages, invite them to games, and view their inventory in settings
• Account owners have the ability to limit or disable who can chat with them (both in-app or in-experience), who can send them messages, and who can follow them into experiences or invite them to private servers (Source: Roblox)

Parental Controls

• Roblox corporation allows parents to set up parental controls to limit certain features on their students' accounts
• Tap on the gear icon and then go to settings
• Under Account Info, tap "Add Parent's Email" and follow the steps to verify
• Tap "Parental Controls" and set up a "Parent PIN" to ensure your student cannot adjust the account settings without parent approval
• Tap "Privacy" and adjust the "Communication" and "Other settings" to "No One" or "Friends"

Important Privacy Settings

• Restrict in-game communication methods and filtering options
• Limit the types of games your student can play
• Set monthly spending limits while playing games

Where is Roblox Available? 

• Roblox is available on PC, Mac, Xbox One, Amazon Fire, and iOS, Android for mobile devices
• Apple App Store Rating: 12+
• Google Play Rating: T (Teen) 
• Amazon Appstore Rating: Guidance Suggested (appropriate for most users) 
• Microsoft Store Rating : T (Teen)
• XBOX ONE Rating:  T (Teen) 
• App Developer website: Roblox (based in USA, Owned by Roblox Corporation)
• Terms of Use
• ‍Privacy Policy

How to Sign Up for Roblox

• Players must log in to an existing Roblox account or create a new account. New users must give their date of birth, username, and a password when signing up (providing gender is optional)
• All chat on Roblox is filtered to prevent inappropriate content and personally identifiable information from being visible on the site. Players have different safety settings and experiences based on their age
• ‍Roblox corporation encourages users NOT to use their real name when setting up an account
• Users can add their phone number, email, and social media network links, but they are not required
• Roblox has monthly membership options that come with various amounts of Robux and exclusive benefits

Roblox in the news

Child predators

"He kept asking her for hot videos and I mean, she would send just like an innocent picture of herself or like an innocent video,” said Kaitlin Clarke, the girl’s mother. “But you could tell like he kept saying more that wasn’t what he was looking for." - WECT 6

‘An RCMP officer says kids are first contacted there and directed to apps like Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat where predators then ask the child for nude photos or to perform sexual acts.’ - CTV News

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Some students can make money on Roblox

“Now use your imagination to create awesome games and related content that will make other Roblox users open their wallets.” - PC Mag

Why do students want a Roblox account?

• Roblox corporation offers access for students to a vast variety of games and epic adventures which means that most students can find something they are interested in to play
• Roblox has made it very easy to move from one game to another within the online platform
• Some students enjoy the opportunity to create their own games and share them with others in the global community
• Students can interact with and play online games with their friends and many kids love to discuss their favorite Roblox games even when they are not playing

Conclusion

Roblox offers a wide range of games and allows users to create their own. It has a large and active user base around the world, particularly among young players. Roblox is available on multiple platforms and has various privacy settings to ensure user safety. However, there have been concerns about child predators and cyberbullying on the platform, highlighting the importance of parental involvement and setting appropriate privacy controls. Parents can actively engage with their children on Roblox, discuss safety concerns, and utilize parental controls to create a safer gaming experience.

While Roblox is a fun and creative way to play games with friends, parents should have an open conversation with their students about the dangers of online games like Roblox and what they should do if something inappropriate happens.

Additional Resources

Parents' Ultimate Guide to Snapchat

Watch the Roblox and Minecraft Parent Safety Discussion with Josh & Beth talking about the dangers of Roblox and Minecraft for families

Minecraft: Guide for Parents & Educators

Learn more about video games

Visit our video games guide: Pros and Cons of Video Games

Tips From a 15-Year Old About Roblox, YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, & Screen Time