Is Roblox Safe For Your Kids? Here’s What You Need To Know

Roblox is one of the most popular video games in the world, boasting over 50 million downloads in July 2024. [1] Over 30 million daily active users are under 13 years old [2], and they are vulnerable to in-game currency scams, hackers, and adult content.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a definite answer as to whether Roblox is safe for kids. Since most of the content on Roblox is produced by other users, kids on Roblox can open themselves up to a host of risks on the gaming platform.

A top-notch antivirus software can help mitigate some malware risks, but is it enough? This article discusses the risks associated with the game, what protections parents can take, why the best antivirus software can help fortify against risks, and how to keep your kids safe online.

Is Roblox safe for kids?

Roblox allows users to create their own personalized experiences, which is exactly what makes it appealing to many users. However, that also means that scammers, hackers, cyberbullies, or other online predators are also free to post content to the game.

While Roblox can be safe, teaching your children proper online etiquette is paramount for them to play safely. Additionally, investing in top-of-the-line antivirus software to protect your devices from harmful viruses or malware can help defend against some of Roblox's dangers.

What are the risks of Roblox?

The same features that make Roblox wildly popular also introduce safety concerns for children or young players. First and foremost, it’s free. Second, since Roblox allows users to create their own experiences, players can create anything imaginable, from virtual houses to avatars and more. Third, Roblox offers an open-communication platform where users can add friends and send messages to other users as they play.

Here are a few of the risks to kids playing Roblox:

• Inappropriate content: Roblox players create their own in-game experiences, and since games are available to all Roblox players, some may contain mature or even sexually explicit experiences not suitable for young players.
• Account hacking: While Roblox is free, players can use Robux, the virtual in-game currency, to buy upgrades or limited virtual items. Hackers can obtain unauthorized access to your child’s account, steal their items (known as “beaming”), and then sell them in third-party marketplaces for cash or cryptocurrency.
• Online scammers: Scammers may target young players with the promise of free Robux in exchange for personal information. Scammers may also lure victims with enticing rare items in exchange for account credentials.
• Robux scams: Robux scammers prey on young victims by offering free or discounted Robux, valuable virtual items, or other phishing scam tactics.
• Malware: Scammers can share off-site links in chat rooms or group chats, which can subject kids playing Roblox to malware or harmful links.
• Cyberbullying: The anonymous nature of Roblox (as well as many other online gaming platforms), makes cyberbullying and hate speech a serious concern.
• Online predators: One of Roblox’s key features is its ability to communicate with other users through direct messages and voice chat. Through the chat feature, however, young players could end up interacting with bad actors without even realizing it.

Does Roblox have an age rating?

Roblox created age ratings to help parents determine what type of content their young player may see on the gaming platform. Roblox examined global industry standards and consulted child development experts to develop the ratings.

These ratings may help prevent your young player from seeing inappropriate content. Users looking to access 17+ content must upload a selfie and a photo of a government-issued ID. However, messaging is available in every age category, so your child could still be subject to inappropriate language, scam attempts, or hackers.

What protections does Roblox offer?

Roblox does offer some settings to help parents limit what their kids can and can’t see on the gaming platform. Here are some of the ways you can keep your child safe:

• Monthly Robux limit — You can set a monthly limit on how much money, if any, your child can spend on Robux.
• Parental control lock — You can require a 4-digit code to make any changes to the parental controls.
• Chat function restrictions — You can disable messaging by activating Account Restrictions, which will lock an account so no other user can send messages or chat in-app.
• Allowed Experiences — Enabling Account Restrictions will also limit play to experiences recommended for All Ages, which may contain mild violence, and/or light, unrealistic blood.

How to set up parental controls on Roblox

Setting up parental controls in Roblox is simple. Follow the steps outlined below to change the safety settings, set monthly spending limits, disable messaging, and activate PINs for your Roblox account.

1. Go to Settings (gear icon) and select Parental Controls.
2. To set a monthly money limit, go to Settings, select Parental Controls, and toggle the Monthly Spend Restriction option to “On.” Input the desired monthly limit.
3. To disable messaging, log into the account and go to Account Settings by clicking the gear icon. Click on the Privacy tab and under, “Who can chat with me in app?” select No one. Click save.
4. To enable an account PIN, log into your account and go to Settings. Select Parental Controls and toggle the button to turn PIN on. Create and confirm your new PIN. Once you create your PIN, you’ll need it to make virtually any changes to your account settings, but it can ensure that your child doesn’t get into your account and change the privacy settings.

How to keep kids safe online

On top of parental controls, Allowed Experiences, and spending limits, there are other steps parents can take to ensure their child’s safety. While some of these are specific to Roblox, they’re also applicable to other online spaces. Teaching your child online safety will protect them wherever they browse.

Monitor text and voice chats

If you allow messaging, review your child’s text and voice chats. If you see alarming messages or inappropriate behavior, talk to your child and report the behavior to Roblox. Make sure you’re talking with your child about unwanted contact, and what steps they can take if they’re getting malicious private messages.

Review game history

Regularly review their game history to see what experiences they’re engaging with. Be sure to check their Friends, Followers, and how they use the communication features.

How your child manages Robux, the in-game virtual currency, is also an important discussion you should have. Review any virtual item purchases your child makes and encourage them to make sensible decisions when they spend money.

Use a strong password and 2FA

To keep your Roblox account from being hacked, use a strong, unique password. Use a password manager to help manage difficult-to-remember passwords. Setting up two-factor authentication is one of the simplest ways to ensure digital security.

Teach good data hygiene

It may be common knowledge for adults, but many children don’t know the basics of good online hygiene. Teach your child to avoid clicking on suspicious links or installing suspicious apps or browser extensions. Don’t give players any files from your games, and refuse any “free” Robux from other players.

Make use of the block, report, and mute options

In addition to in-app messaging, Roblox also offers voice chat, a way for users to communicate as if they’re talking in real life. Currently, voice chat is available only to users 13+ and must have a verified phone number. Players who engage in voice chat are subject to Roblox’s Terms of Use and Community Standards, which include a zero-tolerance policy for terrorism or violent extremism, child endangerment, prohibiting threats, bullying, and harassment.

Roblox offers the ability to mute, block, or report players who violate these regulations. Muting a player applies only to voice chat and lasts the duration of the experience. You can block another user, which will prevent them from engaging in voice or text chat. Lastly, if another player violates the Terms of Use or Community Guidelines, you can report it to Roblox.

Play Roblox with your kid

Many parents find it beneficial to take time to play Roblox with their child. Understanding how the game works is important in understanding the risks associated with it. You’ll get an insider's look at what they’re looking at, who they’re communicating with, and how they interact with others.

Knowing what the popular games on the platform are also gives you a solid basis for talking with your child about online safety.

Discuss appropriate content

Since Roblox allows anyone to create content, if you’re letting your child loose on Roblox without any parameters, chances are high that they’ll come across adult content or language. Talk with your children about what content is appropriate for them to look at and help them know what to do if they see inappropriate material.

Use a VPN

Use a virtual private network (VPN) to improve your Roblox experience. Our guide to the best VPNs for Roblox can help you decide which VPN is best for you. Gaming with a VPN can hide your IP address and protect your data from leaks.

Protect devices with an antivirus

Gaming on a free platform comes with inherent risks, and one of those risks is, unfortunately, malware or Roblox viruses.

While an antivirus won’t protect your child from cyberbullying or seeing content they’re not supposed to, it will protect them from hackers and suspicious links.

Best antivirus software to keep kids safe on Roblox

Using antivirus software is essential for protecting yourself and your device from malware, but not all antivirus programs are designed for gaming. If you’re after an antivirus to use with Roblox, make sure you choose antivirus software designed for gaming.

The best antivirus software for gamers will protect your device without slowing it down. We looked for antivirus software that provides loads of protection, from firewall protection to phishing and ransomware protection, and even parental controls built in. See our recommendations for the best antivirus for gamers below:

• Bitdefender: Bitdefender offers phishing, real-time, and ransomware protection, all components we look for in gaming antivirus software. It’s compatible with PCs, macOS, and mobile devices. Additionally, Bitdefender does offer parental controls in its higher-paid tier.

  Get Bitdefender | Read Bitdefender

• McAfee: McAfee comes loaded with features: manual and auto scan, phishing, real-time and ransomware protection, parental and privacy controls, a VPN, and a password manager.

  Get McAfee | Read McAfee Review

• Avast: Avast has a free version that comes with ransomware protection and email alerts if your passwords have been hacked. The paid premium plan offers a firewall, phishing, ransomware, webcam, and network protection.

  Get Avast | Read Avast Review

FAQs

Bottom line

Like most online games, staying safe while playing Roblox is largely dependent on the child playing. Kids typically enjoy playing Roblox because of the variety of games offered. However, this level of freedom can also create an unsafe online environment.

Installing a reputable antivirus software program can help protect your child from hackers, some forms of scams, and malware. Not sure which antivirus is best? Our guide to the best antivirus software compares features, pricing, compatibility, and more to help you decide.

In addition to top-of-the-line antivirus software, parents can utilize built-in parental controls to help keep their children safe online.

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Author Details

Courtney Daybell

About the Author

Courtney Daybell brings over 15 years of experience in print journalism and holds a B.A. in Communications from Brigham Young University. Her focus has shifted to cyber security, where she specializes in topics such as identity theft protection, password managers, antivirus software, and more.