A heated debate has erupted over Roblox’s online safety features, with some parents claiming the platform is not doing enough to protect their children, while others have had positive experiences.
The Great Debate: Online Safety on Roblox
Roblox, the UK’s most popular gaming site for children aged eight to 12, has sparked a fierce debate among parents after its CEO, Dave Baszucki, shared his views on online safety. In an exclusive BBC interview, ‘Baszucki advised parents not to let their kids play on the platform if they’re not comfortable with it.’ However, many parents have come forward to share their experiences and raise concerns about the platform’s safety features.
The Dark Side of Roblox
For Amir, a parent from Leeds, ‘his comments were ridiculous.’ His 15-year-old son is allegedly addicted to Roblox, spending up to 14 hours a day on the platform. Amir feels guilty for not being able to spend quality time with his son and blames Roblox for robbing them of that time.
Another parent, Sally from the north of Scotland, shared a disturbing story about her nine-year-old daughter being groomed on Roblox. Despite reporting the incident to the platform, she did not receive a response, leaving her ‘enraged.’ She believes companies like Roblox should be held liable for any issues with their platforms.
Roblox grooming refers to a form of online exploitation where an adult or older child builds a relationship with a minor, often through the platform's chat features.
This can lead to emotional manipulation, harassment, and even physical abuse.
According to a 2020 report by the Roblox Safety Team, there were over 1 million reports of user harassment on the platform in just one month.
Grooming tactics include isolating the child from friends and family, gaining their trust through gifts or favors, and manipulating them into revealing personal information.
A Positive Experience
Not all parents have had negative experiences with Roblox. Kathryn Foley from London shared that her nine-year-old daughter, Helene, has had a very positive experience playing on the platform. The two engage in ongoing conversations about online safety and gaming, which has helped them build a strong bond.
Kirsty Solman also spoke positively about Roblox, saying it has helped her 13-year-old son Kyle with social interactions and anxiety. She checks his devices daily and has had open discussions with him about online safety.
A Call to Action
Phil from London agreed that parents need to take the initiative when it comes to online safety. He warned against thinking of the internet as a ‘crèche,’ emphasizing the importance of being proactive in protecting children’s online well-being.
Online safety is a growing concern as people spend more time on the internet.
To protect yourself, use strong passwords and keep them confidential.
Enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
Regularly update your operating system and browser to ensure you have the latest security patches.
Additionally, use antivirus software and a firewall to prevent unauthorized access.
As the debate surrounding Roblox’s online safety continues, it is clear that both sides have valid concerns and experiences. While some parents feel that the platform is not doing enough to protect their children, others have had positive experiences with the platform.
Roblox, a popular online gaming platform, has been embroiled in several controversies over the years.
In 2020, the company faced backlash for allowing users to create and share explicit content, including hate speech and harassment.
The platform's moderation policies were criticized for being inadequate, leading to a surge in reports of bullying and toxicity.
According to a survey, 70% of Roblox users reported experiencing online harassment.
The controversy led to increased scrutiny from lawmakers and advocacy groups, highlighting the need for improved online safety measures.
Ultimately, it falls on parents to take responsibility for their children’s online safety. By being aware of the potential risks and taking proactive steps, parents can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for their kids on Roblox and other gaming platforms.
