Roblox, the popular online gaming platform frequented by young audiences, is implementing a series of robust safety measures aimed at enhancing the protection of its users under the age of 13. These changes come in response to mounting concerns regarding the potential exposure of children to inappropriate content and harmful interactions within the platform.
One of the most significant changes involves restricting access to “unrated experiences.” Beginning next year, users under 13 will be unable to play, search for, or discover games and experiences that have not been assigned an age rating by Roblox. This proactive measure aims to prevent younger users from stumbling upon content that may be unsuitable for their age group.
Roblox is also taking steps to limit social interactions for its youngest users. The platform is banning users under 13 from “social hangouts,” which are virtual spaces where players can gather and communicate. This decision stems from ongoing worries about inadequate oversight in these areas, which has led to reported instances of inappropriate language and behavior. Additionally, access to experiences featuring “free-form 2D user creation” will be restricted for this age group starting on November 18th. These features allow users to create and share drawings and other content without undergoing Roblox’s moderation process, potentially exposing younger players to inappropriate material.
To ensure that developers’ games are accessible to users under 13, Roblox is mandating a questionnaire for creators. The questionnaire requires developers to confirm that their experiences adhere to either the “All Ages” or “9+” age recommendations outlined in Roblox’s content guidelines. These guidelines permit “mild violence, heavy unrealistic blood, and/or mild crude humor” but strictly prohibit gambling content for users under 13.
While access to certain game types will be restricted, Roblox emphasizes that age-appropriate experiences will remain readily available. These include role-playing games, where players can assume various roles and engage in imaginative play, and experiences featuring pre-approved 3D assets, allowing for creative building and design activities.
These new safety initiatives build upon Roblox’s recent efforts to strengthen parental controls. The platform now requires parental consent for users under 13 to access certain chat features, and players under 9 need parental approval to engage with experiences labeled as containing moderate content. Roblox is also actively testing an age verification system that utilizes government-issued photo IDs to confirm the age of users claiming to be over 13.
