New Control Features: Parents with linked accounts for children under 13 can now block specific games or experiences they deem unsuitable.
Friend Management: Parents can view their child's friends list and block specific users from interacting or sending direct messages. They can also report users directly.
Screen Time Details: Enhanced reporting provides insights into the top 20 games played by the child in the last week and the time spent in each.
Context: These tools are part of Roblox's response to reports of grooming, bullying, exposure to explicit content, and concerns about game addiction, particularly highlighted by the UK's Online Safety Act scrutiny.
Why this matters: These updates provide parents with more direct, granular tools to curate a safer environment for their children on one of the world's largest gaming platforms, although concerns about the platform's overall content moderation remain.
Roblox has faced persistent criticism regarding the safety of its young user base. News reports highlighted instances where children encountered troubling game titles (e.g., "Late Night Boys And Girls Club RP") or experienced grooming attempts. Some parents also report struggles with children becoming addicted, spending many hours daily on the platform.
In response, Roblox has implemented these new controls accessible via its Safety Center for parents who verify their identity. Blocking specific games allows parents to directly restrict access to content they find inappropriate, beyond the existing age-rating filters. The ability to block individuals on a child's friends list prevents direct messaging with those accounts, adding a layer of protection against unwanted contact. Furthermore, detailed screen time reports allow parents to understand precisely how their child engages with the platform.
Roblox executives maintain that safety is a core priority, with CEO Dave Baszucki stating "tens of millions" have "amazing" experiences, while also advising parents uncomfortable with the platform to keep their children off it. Chief Safety Officer Matt Kaufman emphasized the company's mission "to make Roblox the safest and most civil online platform in the world." These updates follow previous measures, like restricting direct messages for under-13s and expanding AI-powered voice chat moderation.
However, reactions are mixed. While some parents welcome the new tools as helpful additions, others, like parent Sally whose daughter was groomed, feel they are just a "start" and don't address core issues like user authentication. Child safety advocates like Andy Burrows of the Molly Rose Foundation acknowledge the improvements but stress that Roblox must tackle the "substantial problems with harmful and age-inappropriate content" pervasive on the platform, arguing that parental controls alone aren't sufficient. UK regulator Ofcom called the measures "encouraging" but noted more action is required from tech companies.
Parents should ensure their account is linked to their child's under-13 account.
Verify identity within the Roblox Safety Center to access the full suite of controls.
Regularly review the child's friend list and games played using the new tools.
Block any concerning games or users proactively.
Use these tools as a starting point for ongoing conversations with your child about online safety, appropriate behaviour, and screen time limits.
Parents and guardians of children under 13 who use Roblox.
Children under 13 active on the Roblox platform.
Q: What specific new controls can parents use on Roblox?
A: Parents can now block specific games/experiences, view and block/report users on their child's friends list (preventing DMs), and see detailed reports on which games their child plays most and for how long.
Q: Who do these new controls apply to?
A: They apply specifically to Roblox accounts for children under the age of 13 where parental controls have been set up by a verified parent or guardian.
Q: Why did Roblox introduce these changes?
A: The changes are a response to ongoing concerns voiced by parents, safety groups, and regulators regarding child safety, exposure to inappropriate content, potential grooming, and online addiction on the platform.
If your child under 13 uses Roblox, you now have more direct control over their experience.
Familiarize yourself with the Safety Center and activate these new features (game blocking, friend management, screen time reports).
These tools empower you to be more informed and proactive about your child’s online interactions and content consumption on Roblox.
Remember that technology tools should supplement, not replace, open communication with your child about navigating the online world safely.
Are these new controls enough to keep children safe on Roblox? Share your thoughts!
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BBC News: Parents allowed to block children's games and friends on Roblox target="_blank"
The Guardian: Roblox gives parents more power over children’s activity on gaming platform target="_blank"
Engadget: Roblox parental controls now include a block button target="_blank"
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