So my kid's been obsessed with this game for months now. You know the one – Roblox. That blocky-looking game where 380 MILLION players are running around building stuff and chatting with... well, that's the problem. Who exactly are they chatting with?
Look, I'm not here to be the fun police. But after spending way too many late nights researching this (and one terrifying moment when I checked my PayPal balance), I realized there's a whole dark side to this "harmless" game that nobody warned me about.
The Ugly Truth About That "Fun" Game
Roblox isn't just some cute building game. Behind those blocky avatars lurk some genuinely disturbing elements – from racist roleplaying to actual predators targeting kids. And don't get me started on teh financial shock I got when my daughter somehow managed to drop nearly £200 on "Robux" in a single weekend. I almost had a heart attack checking my bank statement.
My neighbor's kid spent over £1,000 before they noticed. A THOUSAND POUNDS! On virtual currency!
But here's the thing. Deleting the app isn't necessarily the answer.
To Delete or Not? (That's a Complicated Question)
I considered just nuking the whole thing from my daughter's iPad. Would've been easier, honestly. But then I remembered how my parents banned Pokémon cards in 1998 while all my friends were trading them at lunch. I'm still bitter about that Charizard I never got.
Plus, some kids are actually turning Roblox skills into serious money. My friend's 15-year-old nephew makes about £400 a month designing game assets. Not exactly chump change for a teenager.
As Rani Govender from the NSPCC told me when I reached out: "Games and apps are an excellent space for children to have fun and communicate with friends, yet they can come with dangers. Unknown players asking to connect might not have good intentions – and there's a risk your kids might see difficult content."
She added that parents need to decide what's right for their own family. "Whatever your position, it's important to have conversations with young people about your stance."
God. Parenting in 2025 is exhausting.
First Thing You MUST Do: Link Your Account (Takes 5 Minutes)
If you do nothing else after reading this, please just do this one thing. Create your own Roblox account and link it to your child's. It's the only way you'll have any real control.
I put this off for ages because I thought it would be complicated. It wasn't. Here's what you do:
• Go to your kid's Roblox account, tap the gear icon, then Settings > Parental Controls > Add Parent
• Enter your email (use the same one you used to create your own Roblox account)
• Check your inbox and click the Roblox link
• Choose "Use Existing Account" and log in
• Verify your age with ID or credit card (don't worry, they don't store this)
• Wait for the page to refresh, hit "Agree" and you're done
That's it! Now you can see what they're playing, who they're talking to, adn control what they can access.
Content Settings: Stop the Nightmare Fuel
Listen. Some of the "experiences" on Roblox are about as appropriate for kids as a Stephen King movie marathon. I stumbled into one where players were simulating... well, let's just say things that would make a sailor blush.
You need to lock this down:
• Go to Settings > Parental Controls
• Choose Settings Your Manage > Content Maturity
• Then Content Maturity > Content Restrictions
• Slide the bar to the lowest setting for young kids
Poor James from my son's class wasn't allowed to play with the other kids for weeks because his parents found him in some horrific "horror experience" that gave him nightmares. His response: "I didn't even want to play it, but some older kid invited me."
You can also check what your child's been playing. Go to Settings > Parental Controls > Screen Time > Manage > Top Experiences. This shows their 20 most-played experiences from the past week.
If you see something sketchy, you can block it forever:
• Settings > Parental Controls > Settings You Manage > Content Restrictions
• Tap Blocked Experiences then the plus icon
• Search for the experience name and hit Block
Just be aware this won't kick them out if they're already playing it – it only works next time.
Who's REALLY Talking to Your Kid?
This is the part that keeps me up at night. My daughter once told me about a "really nice teenager" who kept asking where she lived. I felt sick.
There are two main ways people chat in Roblox:
1. Experience chat (inside games)
2. Party chat (private group chats)
For Experience chat safety:
• Settings > Parental Controls > Settings You Manage > Communication > Communication
• Choose Experience Chat
• Select "No One" for both Experience Chat and Experience Direct Chat
For Party chat (which I allow only because my daughter uses it to talk with her school friends):
• Same path as above but choose "Party"
• Set to "Friends" or "No One" for maximum safety
I spent £4K on my daughter's iPad back in 2023, and I'm not about to let some weirdo use it as a direct line to her bedroom.
The Friend List Audit (Do This Tonight)
My biggest shock came when I checked my son's friends list. He had 47 "friends" and could only tell me who about 10 of them were. Not. Good.
Here's how to check who they're actually connected with:
• Settings > Parental Controls > Friends > Manage
• You'll see their entire friends list with usernames and profile pictures
• Tap any suspicious ones and use the three-dot menu to block or report
I made my son sit with me while we went through his list. For each name, I asked "Who is this?" If he couldn't tell me, we blocked them. He was annoyed... until I explained why this matters.
Stop Hackers Taking Over (And Spending Your Money)
This one's quick but crucial. Enable two-step verification on BOTH your account and your child's:
• Log into Roblox > Account Settings > Security
• Toggle on 2-Step Verification (email is easiest)
My colleague's son had his account hacked last year. The hacker spent £300 on Robux, then started sending inappropriate messages to his friends list. It was a nightmare to fix.
The Money Pit (How I Saved My Bank Account)
I'm still bitter about the £187.42 that vanished from my account before I figured this out. Kids don't understand money, and Roblox makes spending it WAY too easy.
Set spending limits immediately:
• Settings > Parental Controls > Settings You Manage > Spending Restrictions
• Set a monthly limit (I do £10)
• Enable spending notifications for EVERY transaction
One warning: this won't stop them buying Roblox gift cards if they have access to your stored payment methods on other platforms. I learned this the hard way when my son used my Amazon account to buy a £50 Roblox card. "But Dad, it was for my birthday!" Nice try, kiddo.
Xbox users need extra steps. Go to your Microsoft account > Settings > Account > Family Settings > Manage Family Members > Privacy & Online Safety > Xbox Live Privacy > View Details & Customise > Buy & Download > Ask A Parent.
Roblox told me they've "introduced more than 40 safety updates in the past year" and are "continuing to innovate to make Roblox a safe and civil space." That's great, but I'm not leaving my kids' safety in their hands alone.
I check these settings monthly now. It takes 10 minutes and gives me peace of mind. Worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does online gaming work?
Online gaming allows players to connect and compete with others over the internet. This is facilitated through game servers that host the game environment and manage player interactions. Players can join matches, participate in cooperative gameplay, or engage in competitive tournaments through these networks.
How can I improve my gaming skills?
Improving gaming skills involves consistent practice, understanding game mechanics, and studying strategies used by top players. Watching tutorials, participating in community forums, and playing with more skilled players can also provide valuable insights and help you advance your abilities.
What are the implications of loot boxes in gaming?
Loot boxes are virtual items that contain randomized rewards, which can lead to discussions about gambling mechanics in gaming. Their implications include potential addiction, especially among younger players, prompting some jurisdictions to regulate or ban their use in games.
What is esports and why is it growing?
Esports refers to organized, competitive video gaming, often featuring professional players and teams. The growth of esports can be attributed to increased viewership, sponsorship deals, and the rise of online streaming platforms, making it accessible to a global audience.
What are the most popular gaming platforms today?
The most popular gaming platforms today include consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, as well as PCs equipped with high-performance hardware. Mobile gaming has also surged in popularity with platforms like iOS and Android. Each platform offers unique experiences tailored to different types of gamers.
What is game streaming and how does it work?
Game streaming allows players to play games over the internet without needing powerful hardware. Services like Google Stadia and Xbox Cloud Gaming stream gameplay from remote servers to players' devices, enabling access to high-quality gaming experiences on less capable systems.
Are video games harmful to mental health?
While excessive gaming can lead to negative effects on mental health, moderate gaming can have various benefits, such as improving cognitive skills and social connections. It's important to maintain a balanced lifestyle and be aware of how gaming affects you personally.
Statistics
- Over 80% of mobile gamers play for fun, while around 20% engage in gaming for competition.
- Esports viewership surpassed 500 million people globally in 2022, highlighting the increasing interest in competitive gaming.
- As of 2023, approximately 3.24 billion people are actively playing video games worldwide.
- Mobile gaming accounts for nearly 50% of the total gaming revenue, reflecting its growing popularity.
- Over 60% of gamers report playing with friends or family, emphasizing the social aspect of gaming.
- In 2021, the average age of a gamer was reported to be around 34 years old, indicating that gaming spans multiple generations.
- About 70% of American adults play video games, showcasing the widespread appeal across demographics.
- The global gaming market is projected to reach a value of over $200 billion by 2023.
External Links
How To
How to Master Multiplayer Games
Mastering multiplayer games requires a combination of teamwork and individual skill development. Start by understanding the game mechanics and roles available within the game. Communicate effectively with your teammates using voice chat or text to coordinate strategies. Practice your skills in lower-stakes matches to build confidence. Observe and learn from experienced players, whether through live streams or tutorials, to gain insights into advanced tactics. Lastly, maintaining a positive attitude and being open to feedback can foster a collaborative environment that enhances overall team performance.
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