Roblox’s New Safety Measures
1. Blocking Private Messages for Young Users
By default, users under 13 won’t be able to send direct messages unless parents verify their identity through government-issued ID or credit card. Instead, younger players can interact via public conversations within games.
“Our goal is to keep all users safe, no matter their age,” says Matt Kaufman, Roblox’s chief safety officer.
2. Enhanced Parental Controls
Parents will have access to:
- Viewing their child’s online friends.
- Setting daily time limits for gameplay.
- Granting permissions for private messaging or more mature game content.
This ensures that parents can actively monitor and manage their child’s gaming activities.
Maturity Guidelines: A Simplified Approach
Roblox is revamping its content descriptions to use “content labels” instead of age-based recommendations. These labels include:
- Minimal: Occasional mild violence or fear.
- Mild: Slightly more intense elements.
- Moderate: Some mature content, accessible only with parental consent.
- Restricted: Strong violence or language, available only to verified users aged 17 and older.
By default, children under nine can only access “minimal” or “mild” experiences, ensuring age-appropriate content.
A Broader Push for Child Safety
Roblox’s changes align with new UK regulations under the Online Safety Act, requiring platforms to protect children from harmful content. These measures include:
- Blocking under-13s from “social hangouts” where text and voice messaging occur.
- Mandatory content suitability declarations by game developers starting December 2024.
The UK watchdog, Ofcom, will enforce compliance, with penalties for platforms failing to prioritize child safety.
Expert Insights on Roblox’s Changes
Richard Collard from the NSPCC welcomed the changes as a positive step but emphasized the need for robust age verification. “Roblox must ensure these measures translate into safer experiences for children,” he said.
Conclusion: Ensuring Safe Gaming for Children
Roblox’s new policies reflect its commitment to creating a safer environment for young users. With stricter messaging rules, enhanced parental controls, and clearer content guidelines, parents and guardians have better tools to protect their children.
For more information on child safety in online games, visit NSPCC’s guide.
Explore related content: How the Online Safety Act Impacts Games.
