What is it?

Roblox is an online platform that users can access to play and create games in a multiplayer environment.  This means that they can play with their friends, but also with strangers.  Much of the content is free – some is paid for.  This platform is hugely popular with children at Threemilestone School. There are many children playing with other children from school, and many children playing with strangers – some may be other children, some may not be. 

Where might my child be accessing this game?

The game is available for on Playstation, Xbox and Windows. Versions of the game can be downloaded to mobile devices.

What are the risks?

Predatory behaviour. Although quite rare, there are some adults who try to use online services to prey on children. Talk to your child about online grooming, including what it is and what to watch out for, such as inappropriate or overly personal questions or unsolicited gifts (such as Robux). People with bad intentions may encourage children to “meet” with them on other, less moderated social platforms. Discuss this with your child and ask them to come to you with any strange requests from other players. While parents worry most about inappropriate contact with adults, children can also be bothered, solicited and harassed by peers.

Bullying. Unfortunately bullying can and does happen on Roblox, despite Roblox’s tools to block bullying text language whenever possible. Again, talk to your child about what to watch out for and teach them how to block and report offenders

Both of these risks have been reported by children at Threemilestone School. Please be a part of your children’s online world. 

Should I let my child play this game?

Much of the content on Roblox is suitable for primary aged children.  If you choose to allow your child to access this service, we recommend that you maintain a dialogue with your child about their use and experiences online.  As well as this, you can access the parental controls and disable the chat function.  

1. Log into the account.
2. Go to Account Settings by clicking on the gear icon.
3. Select Privacy.
4. Review the options under Contact Settings and Other Settings. Select No one or Friends or enable Account Restrictions (players age 13 and older have additional options)

Written using resources from www.commonsensemedia.org and www.connectsafely.org/roblox/