Roblox is introducing new safety measures to protect children, restricting how users under 13 can communicate. Starting November 20, children under 13 can no longer send direct messages (DMs) to players outside of Roblox games or experiences. Additionally, sending in-game DMs will require parental permission, but this change will only be fully implemented by early 2025.
Tackling safety concerns
These updates come after concerns were raised about the safety of children on Roblox. A recent Bloomberg report uncovered incidents where predators used the platformโs chat system to target children. Another report from Hindenburg Research went as far as describing Roblox as an โX-rated paedophile hellscape.โ
To address these alarming issues, Roblox has been enhancing its safeguards. The new restrictions build on existing features, such as automated chat filters, that block users from sharing personal information.
New tools for parents
Roblox is also rolling out tools to help parents manage their childrenโs accounts more effectively. A newly introduced parent account system allows caregivers to set controls, such as screen time limits remotely. Previously, parents needed direct access to their childโs device or account to adjust these settings.
Additionally, Roblox is changing the way it labels content. Instead of rating experiences based on specific age groups, the platform will now use content labels to describe what an experience might contain. For example, a โmoderateโ label may signal content featuring mild fear or crude humour.
Stricter content access for younger users
Children under 9 will be restricted to experiences labelled โminimalโ or โmildโ unless their parents allow access to more advanced content. Similarly, players under 13 can no longer enter social hangouts or experiences that enable free-form writing or drawing.
With these changes, Roblox aims to create a safer environment while giving parents more control over their childrenโs online activity.
