Roblox Safety Features for Under-13s Aim to Protect Young Players
Roblox safety features for under-13s are set to roll out in December, bringing significant changes to how younger players access content on the popular platform. Starting on December 3, Roblox will require game creators to specify age-appropriate ratings for their games. Any games that are not marked as suitable for children will be blocked for players under 13. This move follows growing concerns about the safety of younger users on the platform, which attracts around 70 million daily players worldwide.
With the new Roblox safety features for under-13s, the platform aims to improve safety by limiting under-13 access to certain content and social features. Parents and guardians can feel more at ease knowing that Roblox is taking steps to ensure that children interact only with age-appropriate material.
Key Changes in Roblox Safety Features for Under-13s
Starting December 3, all Roblox game creators must fill out a questionnaire about the suitability of their content for under-13 users. Games without an age rating will automatically be blocked for players aged 12 and younger. This new policy is designed to increase transparency for parents and guardians, ensuring that under-13 players access only games deemed appropriate.
In addition, from November 18, Roblox will restrict under-13s from joining “social hangouts.” These are virtual spaces where players engage in voice and text chats. Roblox defines “social hangouts” as games where the primary focus is on personal interaction rather than role-playing. By restricting access to these spaces, Roblox’s safety features for under-13s aim to minimize potential risks for young users.
New Limits on 2D User-Creation Features
To further enhance safety, Roblox is also limiting younger users’ access to “free-form 2D user creation,” which will also take effect on November 18. This feature previously allowed users to draw or write in 2D and share it with others without Roblox moderation. Limiting this feature is expected to prevent inappropriate drawings or messages that could bypass content moderation.
External Link: Learn about online safety for children on BBC
Internal Link: Roblox safety information at Kenkou Land
Addressing Concerns: Roblox’s Commitment to User Safety
Roblox safety features for under-13s come amid heightened concern for young players’ safety. In the UK, media regulator Ofcom recently flagged Roblox as the most popular game for children aged 8 to 12. However, the platform has faced criticism for not adequately protecting its younger users. Earlier this year, Ofcom encouraged online platforms to shield children from “toxic” content and issued draft guidelines on safe online practices.
In response to such concerns, Roblox has taken swift action to improve safety, emphasizing that these changes target “behavior that can potentially pose a risk to our youngest users.” Roblox’s proactive approach in implementing safety features for under-13s demonstrates a commitment to user welfare, even as the company plans for further safety requirements to be enforced by 2025.
Ensuring Safe Gaming with Roblox Safety Features for Under-13s
While Roblox is preparing to enforce stricter safety protocols, these upcoming updates signal a proactive effort to create a secure environment for under-13 players. By implementing Roblox safety features for under-13s, the platform is taking significant steps toward making online gaming safer and more enjoyable for young players. Roblox’s commitment to user safety provides parents with greater peace of mind, knowing their children have a safer space to explore and play.
