Introduction Of Roblox
Roblox, the popular online gaming platform, has introduced new safety measures designed to better protect its youngest users. In a move aimed at addressing long-standing concerns about child safety, the platform will no longer allow users under the age of 13 to send direct messages to others outside of games or experiences. This restriction is part of a broader set of updates announced by Roblox on Friday, including enhanced parental controls and age-gated content.
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A Response to Growing Safety Concerns
The updates follow criticism that Roblox has not done enough to safeguard children from online predators. A recent Bloomberg investigation revealed how some users exploit the platform to target and groom minors, sparking public outcry. In response, Roblox pledged to bolster its safety protocols and provide parents with more robust tools to monitor and manage their child’s activity.
Striking a Balance Between Safety and Play
While the new messaging restrictions aim to reduce risk, Roblox acknowledges the importance of communication within gameplay. Users under 13 can still use in-game chat, as the platform sees it as a core component of the gaming experience. However, direct messaging outside of games will now require parental approval.
Additionally, certain experiences are now age-gated for users under 13. These include activities that involve free-form writing or drawing, which Roblox has determined may contain content or interactions more suitable for older audiences.
Empowering Parents with Enhanced Controls
Roblox is also introducing new tools for parents, enabling them to monitor and adjust their child’s settings remotely. Through a linked account system, parents can now:
- View their child’s weekly screen time.
- Set daily screen time limits.
- Access and manage their child’s friends list.
To link accounts, parents must verify their identity through an ID or credit card. This approach ensures a secure connection and provides parents with greater oversight.
Updated Content Labels and Automatic Protections
The platform’s content labeling system has also been revamped to offer clearer descriptions of the experiences available:
- Minimal: May include occasional mild violence or light unrealistic blood.
- Mild: Features repeated mild violence, heavier unrealistic blood, and mild crude humor.
- Moderate: Includes moderate violence, light realistic blood, and moderate fear elements.
- Restricted: Contains strong violence, heavy realistic blood, romantic themes, and strong language.
By default, users under 9 can access only “Minimal” and “Mild” content. Access to “Moderate” content requires parental consent. Roblox will also automatically update protections as users age, notifying parents 30 days before settings change.
A Commitment to Safe Gaming
Dina Lamdany, Roblox’s product lead for user settings and parental controls, emphasized the company’s commitment to creating a secure environment. “We really aim to be safe by default for users of all ages, and our policies and features will continue to adapt in service of that goal,” she said.
Roblox’s new measures will roll out to all users this week, marking a significant step toward fostering a safer digital playground. With these updates, the company hopes to rebuild trust among parents and ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience for young gamers.
