Roblox Safety 101

What is it?

Roblox is not a single game, but a platform with millions of user-created games (called “experiences”) that players can explore, play, and create.

Players can jump between different games instantly (e.g. obstacle courses, roleplay, racing, simulations), buy items, upgrades, or features using in-game currency (Robux), or create their own games using Roblox Studio.

In fact each experience is made by other users, not Roblox itself, which means that the quality, content, and behaviour vary widely. Some games are designed for younger players, whereas others may include more mature themes or social interactions.

Roblox also functions as a social platform, where players have profiles and friends lists. Users can play with friends or join games with other players. Depending on their age and account type, they may also be able to chat and socialise while playing. Roblox now uses age-based accounts and safety settings to limit communication for younger players.

For parents and caregivers, the key thing to understand is that Roblox is less like a single game and more like a mix of a streaming service, gaming platform, and social media space in one place.

Why it's popular

Tamariki and rangatahi enjoy Roblox because there's huge variety in the gaming options, there’s always something new to play. The platform allows users to:

• Play and chat with friends
• Create their own games and worlds
• Customise avatars and identities
• Progress, earn rewards, and unlock items

What to watch out for

Contact with strangers

Depending on their age and account settings, Roblox players may be able to communicate with other people. While Roblox has introduced stronger protections for younger users, older children and teenagers may still interact with people they don't know, making ongoing conversations about online friendships important.

• Talk to your young person about who they’re talking to and who they know in person versus online only. Talk about what your child can do if someone they don't know wants to start a conversation online.

Inappropriate content

Because games are user-created, there is a risk that some may expose your child to harmful or adult content, scary or inappropriate themes, romantic or suggestive roleplay, players behaving unpredictably or adult language and humour. Roblox now reviews games for different age groups and uses content maturity ratings, but because experiences are created by users, parents should still take an interest in the games their child enjoys.

• Check out the games that your child is playing in for yourself, and encourage them to play with friends that they know in-person. Encourage them to leave games that feel uncomfortable or confusing, and to come and tell you about it.

Social pressure and behaviour

Some experiences inside games can involve roleplaying, pressure to act or behave a certain way, and conflict with other players.

• Talk about what feels OK and not OK in a game, and what some shared expectations are for online behaviour. Help them to recognise when something doesn't feel right socially, and what they could do in that situation.

Spending money (Robux)

Players are encouraged to buy items, upgrades or access and may find themselves spending repeatedly in small amounts.

• Create some shared epxectations early and agree if and when money can be spent in the. This helps to make spending intentional and not automatic or accidental.

Time and immersion

Like other online games, Roblox is designed to keep players engaged, with endless game potential (versus gaming loops), rewards and progression.

• Set some agreed expectations together about time spent online, when and where to have device-free time, and how to detach from the game even when it feels hard. Build awareness of their wellbeing online and check in on how they're feeling after they've finished playing.