Roblox Introduces New Safety Features to Restrict Kids Under 13 from Social Spaces

Roblox, a massively popular gaming platform primarily aimed at children and preteens, has long faced criticism for its inadequate safety measures, exposing younger users to potential risks such as inappropriate content, grooming, and violent or abusive interactions. These concerns have prompted several reports over the years questioning the platform’s ability to keep its young audience safe in an environment that allows user-generated content and social interactions. In response to growing pressure and ongoing criticism, Roblox has announced a significant update to its safety policies aimed at better protecting children who use the platform.

The most notable change is the restriction of access to unrated experiences for users under the age of 13. These unrated experiences, often including social hangouts and free-form 2D user creation games, have been highlighted as particularly problematic. Many of these experiences allow players to communicate with one another in real time, exposing younger users to the possibility of inappropriate language, online harassment, or even dangerous grooming behaviors. Moreover, these free-form creation spaces often lack adequate moderation, as players can create and share drawings, writings, or other interactive content without thorough oversight. These types of user-generated content have become increasingly difficult for Roblox’s moderation systems to fully regulate, particularly in real-time.

In light of these concerns, Roblox will now prevent children under 13 from searching for, discovering, or playing any unrated experiences by default. Additionally, creators who wish to make their games or experiences available to younger users must now complete a mandatory questionnaire, verifying that their content meets Roblox’s safety standards. This questionnaire will require creators to ensure their experiences adhere to the “All Ages” or “9+” guidelines set by Roblox. While these guidelines still allow for mild violence, unrealistic blood, and some crude humor, they explicitly exclude content that may be harmful or inappropriate for younger children, including gambling or explicit content.

This update is set to take effect next year, with a deadline for creators to complete the new form by December 3. The questionnaire will be available in the Creator Hub, under the “Creations” tab. This initiative signals Roblox’s commitment to ensuring that the experiences available to children under 13 are not only age-appropriate but also safe in terms of content and social interaction. However, not all users and creators are pleased with these new restrictions. One creator on the Roblox forum expressed sadness over the changes, acknowledging the challenges posed by the platform’s decision to limit access to certain types of content but also recognizing the need for tighter control due to the risks involved in some of these experiences.

In addition to restricting access to unrated experiences, Roblox is implementing several other safety measures aimed at protecting younger players. For instance, starting November 18, users under 13 will be blocked from accessing social hangouts, which have been criticized for their lack of sufficient oversight and moderation. Social hangouts often feature unfiltered chat functions that could expose children to inappropriate interactions with other players. By removing younger users from these types of environments, Roblox hopes to reduce the risk of harmful interactions and ensure that children are engaging in safer, more controlled spaces.

Furthermore, experiences that involve free-form 2D user creation will also be inaccessible to those under 13. These experiences, which allow players to replicate or create drawings without the need for Roblox moderation, have long been a concern for safety advocates. Given that some of these user-created works can be inappropriate or offensive, Roblox is removing this feature for its youngest users to mitigate exposure to potentially harmful content.

Along with these changes, Roblox is also rolling out additional parental controls and safety features. Younger users will be required to obtain parental permission in order to access certain chat functionalities or experiences labeled with moderate content. Specifically, children under 9 years old will need parental approval to play experiences marked with a moderate content label, which may include mature themes such as mild violence or crude humor. This step ensures that parents are more involved in their children’s interactions with the platform, providing an added layer of protection.

In another effort to increase safety, Roblox is testing an age-verification feature for users over the age of 13. Under this system, users will be required to submit a government-issued photo ID to verify their age, further reducing the risk of underage players accessing content that is intended for older audiences. This feature is still in its testing phase, but it represents a proactive effort by Roblox to combat age-related issues and provide a more secure and age-appropriate experience for all users.

These changes come in the wake of mounting pressure on Roblox to address its safety shortcomings, especially in light of its popularity among children. With millions of active users, many of whom are under the age of 13, the platform has been facing increasing scrutiny from parents, child safety advocates, and regulators. Roblox’s new safety measures reflect the company’s ongoing efforts to balance the needs of its young audience with its commitment to fostering creativity and user-generated content. While the platform aims to provide a fun and engaging space for children to play, socialize, and learn, it must also ensure that those experiences are safe and supportive of its youngest users.

The new safety initiatives, including the restrictions on unrated experiences, the parental approval requirements, and the age-verification feature, are all steps in the right direction toward creating a safer environment for younger players. However, the platform will continue to face challenges as it works to implement these changes and address the evolving risks associated with online gaming and social interaction. Roblox’s ability to adapt to these challenges while maintaining its appeal as a creative and interactive platform will be key to its future success in the highly competitive gaming industry.