As concerns about potential abuse of young children on its gaming platform grow, Roblox is rolling out changes to tighten the restrictions on messaging for young users. Children 13 and under will not be able to message directly without parental consent. CBC News
Roblox, the popular gaming platform, has rolled out new parental tools aimed at safeguarding its young users. One significant update restricts users under 13 from messaging others outside in-game interactions, unless granted parental consent.
With nearly 89 million active users last quarter, Roblox is also introducing remote management features. Parents and caregivers can now link their accounts to their child’s, enabling them to monitor activity, manage friend lists, set spending limits, and control screen time remotely.
According to Roblox, these updates were developed after extensive research, including interviews and surveys with parents, children, and child safety experts. The changes aim to address longstanding concerns about the platform's vulnerability to exploitation, highlighted by incidents of abuse and a 2022 lawsuit accusing Roblox of facilitating harm to a minor.
Experts have welcomed the improvements but argue they were overdue. Matthew Johnson of MediaSmarts noted that many of these features are already standard in platforms designed for younger users. He emphasized the role of public pressure in driving such changes, saying, “If enough parents and consumers speak out, even large platforms will adapt.”
New Features Breakdown
Previously, parental controls were accessible only through a child’s account. Now, parents can verify their identity using an ID or credit card to gain full remote control over their child’s Roblox settings. They can track screen time, set daily limits, and view friend lists without needing to access the child’s device.
For younger users, the platform has introduced stricter content guidelines. Games are now categorized with labels like "Minimal" or "Restricted," helping parents gauge suitability. Users under 13 will only see public messages through in-game experiences, while children under nine are limited to games with “Minimal” or “Mild” labels. Restricted content will remain inaccessible until a user turns 17 and verifies their age.
Some features, such as content labels, are available now, while others will be fully rolled out by early 2025.
Changing Demographics and the Need for Safety
Originally geared toward teens, Roblox’s user base has skewed younger over time, with children as young as five joining the platform. Chris Byrne, a toy industry expert, highlighted the importance of robust safeguards, especially as the platform becomes more appealing to younger children.
“These updates provide the necessary guardrails to make parents feel more secure,” Byrne said, adding that protecting younger users is essential as the platform continues to grow in popularity.
Parental Involvement Still Key
Tech expert Carmi Levy praised the new tools but stressed that parents must actively use them. “These updates mean kids are better protected, but parents can’t assume their job is done,” he said.
Levy emphasized open communication between parents and children, sharing his own approach with his son, a former Roblox enthusiast. “We made it clear he could come to us with any concerns without fear of judgment or punishment,” he said.
Levy cautioned that banning apps or imposing overly strict limits might push children to use them secretly. “The key is fostering a relationship where nothing is off-limits for discussion,” he advised.
The updates reflect Roblox’s ongoing efforts to balance user creativity with safety, responding to rising concerns about online risks for children.
