Targeted to kids ages 8-12 Roblox is the largest user-generated online gaming platform. A recent study revealed that the average monthly visits for Roblox users under the age of 13 is 25.5 visits. That means younger users are logging in to play Roblox nearly every day. So, we created this Roblox Safety Guide for parents to help you learn how to keep your family safe.
Table of Contents
Watch this Parent Guide as a video:
What is Roblox?
- Targeted to kids ages 8-12 Roblox is the largest user-generated online gaming platform
- Players create and upload games to the platfrom
- Users can play other user created games in a multiplayer environment
- Players can create an avatar and are given some game money to rent a house
- In order to furnish their house or buy new outfits for their avatar players must spend real money not game money, or another player must buy their items, or by earning daily Robux with a membership
- According to Roblox, there are 22 million different user-generated games to play, so it’s difficult to know the objectives and nature of every game
Roblox works on these platforms:
- Xbox One
- Android
- iOS
- Windows
- iPod Touch
- MacOS
- Fire OS
Teen gaming statistics
- 4 out of 5 households own a video game console
- Ongoing game play results in poorer grades in school and difficult relationships with parents
- Fully 72% of all teens play video games on a computer, game console or portable device like a cellphone
Roblox in the news
Cyber expert warns parents about gaming apps after reports of Roblox sex chat. –ABC
Child predators are using Roblox to target kids. –NBC
There have been reports of users thwarting the chat and exchanging inappropriate/predatory messages with young players. –Common Sense Media
Why should parents care?
- Despite having parental controls, children are still susceptible to being targeted by predators
- Since users can create and upload games, inappropriate and graphic content can appear in any game
- Cyberbullying is prevalent, especially the type that shames players for not spending money on their avatar
- Due to Roblox’s auto-billing feature, many children inadvertently sign up to pay for features on a monthly basis
- Costs can add up quickly if your student is playing Roblox
- The purpose of the game is to interact with other players, the majority of other players are anonymous
- It’s popular to chat with other players in the game, this is where students receive the most exposure and are the most vulnerable
- Roblox allows users to invite other players back to their bedroom in the game and engage in inappropriate behavior. While nothing explicit takes place in the game, the acts are insinuated
What can parents do?
- If your student has the game, ask them to delete their account and discuss your safety concerns
- Ensure that your students know to never share personal information online – especially with someone who is anonymous (or who their parents don’t know)
- Find positive games that you approve of – that are not user generated, and that don’t have chat features – to consider as alternatives
- Encourage your teen to always talk with you, or a trusted adult, if a situation makes them uncomfortable
- Get in the habit of monitoring your student’s digital footprint and staying up to date on the apps they have on their phone or tablet
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