Cyber safety

Many of our students spend time outside school playing Roblox, an online gaming platform that has recently been the focus of significant media attention. 

A series of articles and a Guardian podcast this month have raised concerns about the safety of the platform and whether it should be included in Australia’s upcoming ban on social media platforms for under-16s.

What is Roblox?

Roblox is an online platform that allows users to create, share and play millions of games made by other users. Players can interact with others, build virtual worlds, and spend real money on in-game purchases through its currency, Robux. While many experiences are light-hearted and creative, Roblox’s open and social nature means that children can also encounter inappropriate content and interactions.

The Current Debate

From December 2025, the Australian Government will introduce a minimum age of 16 for social media accounts on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat. Roblox, however, is not currently included in this list because it is classed as a gaming platform rather than a social-media service.

This decision has sparked debate. Several experts and members of parliament have called for Roblox to be added to the ban, arguing that its heavy social features — chat functions, user-generated content and public interactions — mean that it poses similar risks.

Recent Concerns

Recent investigations by The Guardian found that even with parental controls in place, children can be exposed to:

• Inappropriate or sexualised content, including in games marketed to younger players.
• Unwanted contact from adults, grooming risks, and unmoderated chat interactions.
• Aggressive monetisation, with children encouraged to spend large amounts of real money on Robux and in-game purchases.

• Unreliable content moderation, with millions of new “experiences” uploaded each day, making it difficult to filter what children see.

   

A recent Guardian podcast episode explored the platform’s darker side in more detail, calling for stronger oversight and parental awareness.

Helping Children Stay Safe

Parents can play a vital role in keeping Roblox safe and enjoyable for their children.

• Play together: Spend time exploring Roblox with your child. Ask which games they play and who they play with.
• Set strong privacy controls: Restrict chat to “Friends Only” or “No One”, and use the parental PIN and account restrictions available in settings.
• Monitor spending: Talk about Robux, how it uses real money, and set limits on purchases.
• Encourage openness: Make sure children know they can tell you if something online makes them feel uncomfortable.
• Keep devices in shared spaces: Visibility helps prevent unsafe or secretive online activity.
• Report and block: Show your child how to block users and report inappropriate behaviour.

Roblox can be a creative and social platform for children, but families need to stay informed and engaged. Open conversations, clear boundaries, and consistent supervision are the best ways to help children enjoy the positive aspects of online play while staying safe in an evolving digital world.