Roblox, it's only a game, isn't it?

It’s Only a Game Isn’t It? Roblox: What Parents Need to Know

Roblox is not currently included in Australia's under-16 social media ban, because it is classified as being primarily an online gaming platform rather than a social media site.

Many primary-aged children enjoy playing Roblox and spending time with friends online. While Roblox is referred to as a game, it is also a large online social platform where users can chat, create profiles, join communities, and interact with people they may not know in real life.

Following recent investigations by the Australian eSafety Commissioner, Roblox has been directed to strengthen its safety measures for children after concerns were raised about adults being able to contact younger users and access personal information. Roblox has had to:

• Prevent adults from contacting children they do not know without parental consent.
• Make children's accounts private by default.
• Improve reporting systems and provide users with updates on reported concerns.
• Undertake independent testing to ensure safety measures and age-verification systems are effective.

Why This Matters

With approximately 1.7 million young Australians using Roblox, it is still one of the most popular online platforms for children. While it offers opportunities for creativity, gaming, and social connection, it also holds chat features, public profiles, and user-created content that may expose children to interactions that move beyond their friendship group or people they know in real life.

Recommendation for Parents

We encourage parents to have regular conversations about online safety and to take an active interest in the platforms their children use.

Rather than just asking children if they use the Roblox platform, or asking them about the Platform, take the time to sit with them and explore Roblox together. Ask them to show you:

• Their favourite games or experiences.
• Who they play with online.
• What chat features are available.
• What privacy settings are currently enabled.
• Review the Privacy Settings with your child:

Check:

• Who can contact your child.
• Who can view their profile.
• Whether their friends list is visible.
• Whether they are only connected with people they know in real life.

Create a Safe and Open Environment

Remind your child to tell you or another trusted adult if someone ever asks them to move from Roblox to another platform (e.g. Discord, Snapchat).

Children need to feel safe to speak without fear of getting into trouble. Encourage them to talk to you if:

• Someone makes them feel uncomfortable.
• They are asked to keep secrets.
• Someone online seems overly friendly or interested in them.
• They feel a conversation may be inappropriate.

A Helpful Conversation Starter

You might say:

"If someone online ever makes you feel special in a way that has to stay secret, or a conversation makes you feel uncomfortable, that’s when you need to come and talk to me about it. You will never be in trouble."

Using this simple message and reminding children often, can help children better recognise unsafe situations and seek support early.

Technology and online platforms continue to evolve, and while regulations are working to improve children's safety, the safest strategy is your child being aware through you supporting open conversations with them. The most powerful protective factor will always be open communication between children and trusted adults. Taking time to explore online spaces together and talk about safe online behaviours can make a significant difference.

For more information and parent resources, visit the Australian eSafety Commissioner website: https://www.esafety.gov.au.

Source adapted from Kirrily Pendergast's article "“You Cannot Mark Your Own Homework”: What Australia Just Demanded of Roblox"