What Is Roblox? A Parent's Guide

Roblox is an online platform where users create, share, and play games (called “experiences”) made by themselves or other users. It’s part game and part social network. With 112 million daily users, it’s one of the most popular online platforms for kids and teens today.

What Makes Roblox Unique

• User-Created Games: Anyone can design and publish a game using Roblox Studio.
• Avatars & Customization: Kids spend time building digital identities, which sometimes include inappropriate or dark themes.  
• Robux: Roblox’s in-game currency, purchased with real money and used for upgrades, outfits, and game passes.
• Social Features: Friends lists, chat, groups, parties, and voice chat in most experiences.
• Endless Experiences: From bathroom simulators, obstacle courses, to roleplay worlds, the experiences vary greatly in style and content maturity.

Why Kids Love It

• Their friends are playing. They want to be part of it.  
• Endless variety of new experiences keeps them hooked.
• Creative freedom to design their own games and avatars.
• Status through rare items, outfits, and Robux.
• Feels like a mix of gaming and socializing in one place.

The Hidden Hooks

• Microtransactions: Constant prompts to spend Robux on outfits, upgrades, and status symbols.
• Endless Play, Little Growth: No natural stopping point and most games offer little developmental value.
• Social Pressure: The majority of young people play Roblox, and “Connections” can see when your child is online, what Experience they are in, and expect them to join.
• Game Passes: Paid upgrades keep kids wanting more. One-time purchases that provide a player with permanent in-game perks, features, or access within a specific Roblox experience.
• Community Status: Exclusive and limited items fuel competition and a create a fear of missing out.

Safety Concerns

• Predators & Grooming: Private chats and stranger requests are common, with predators pushing kids onto other apps like Discord or Snapchat.
• Inappropriate Content: Not all games are child-friendly despite age ratings.
• Scams: Fake items, “Free Robux” offers, and peer-to-peer scamming are incredibly common on the platform.
• Voice Chat: Kids are frequently exposed to explicit language and unsafe conversations.
• Spending Issues: Kids can quickly rack up large bills with in-game purchases if parental controls aren’t enabled. Often, users have a parent's credit card linked directly to their account.
  

What Parents Can Do

• Set up parental controls immediately: Roblox has platform restrictions that are far more robust for a parent-linked account.
• Review privacy settings: Limit who can chat, join games, or send friend requests.
• Talk about money: Teach kids about Robux and set limits on spending.
• Play together: Ask your child to show you their favorite games, which opens a conversation about safety, who they play with, and the content.
• Foster open communication: Let your child know they can come to you if something feels off or they experience something nefarious within the platform.
• Join Haven. We simplify online safety and show parents exactly what to know and do about Roblox.

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Want to know exactly how to protect your child from the hidden dangers inside Roblox? Join Haven and get access to step-by-step guides to Roblox's parental controls.

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