Roblox

Roblox has recently implemented significant safety enhancements and parental control features to create a safer environment for young users. Key updates include:

Enhanced Parental Controls:
Linked Accounts: Parents can now create accounts linked to their child's, enabling remote management of the child's Roblox experience (see below for information regarding how to do this)

Activity Monitoring: Parents have the ability to view their child's friend lists, set spending limits, and manage screen time.

Communication Restrictions:
Direct Messaging: Users under 13 are prohibited from sending direct messages outside of games without parental consent.

In-Game Chat: For users under 13, in-game direct messaging requires parental approval.

Content Accessibility:
Content Labels: Roblox has introduced content labels ranging from "Minimal" to "Restricted" to indicate content suitability.

Age-Based Restrictions: By default, users under 9 can access only "Minimal" or "Mild" labeled games. Users under 13 are restricted from searching for or playing unlabeled experiences. "Restricted" content is inaccessible until a user verifies they are at least 17 years old.

Prohibited Experiences:
Social Hangouts: Starting November 18, 2024, users under 13 are barred from accessing "social hangouts" that focus on text or voice communication.

Free-Form Creation: Experiences involving free-form 2D user creation, such as drawing on virtual whiteboards, are also restricted for users under 13.

These measures aim to provide parents with greater control over their children's online interactions and ensure that young users engage with age-appropriate content on the Roblox platform.

Creating or linking an account to your child's Roblox one

​​​​In order to link create or link a parents account to your child's, follow the steps below:

Ask your child to sign into their Roblox account
Go to Settings

Go to Parental Controls

Click 'Add Parent' button

Add your email address and click Send Email

Access the Roblox email in your mailbox

Click 'Create account' (if you already have one, you can link this)

Add your date of birth and click 'Create Account'

Once signed in, verify your email in Settings>Account Info (if requested)

Verify you are a parent with ID or credit card

Once verified, you should see your child’s profile. Click agree

Your account is now linked to theirs

Verify you are a parent with ID or credit card

Once verified, you should see your child’s profile. Click agree

Your account is now linked to theirs

Whilst signed in as yourself, go to settings

Go to parental controls

You will see information including your child’s screen time

Scroll to the bottom and you can manage different settings such as ‘content maturity’ by moving the bar left or right

Top ten tips to support your child to enjoy Roblox safely

Here are 10 top tips for parents to help ensure their child’s Roblox experience is safe, enjoyable, and educational:

1. Set Up Parental Controls: Use Roblox’s parental control features to restrict access to content, limit screen time, manage friend requests, and monitor spending. The new linked accounts feature allows you to set these controls remotely.

2. Review Content Labels: Roblox now labels content by age-appropriateness. For children under 9, keep their experience limited to “Minimal” or “Mild” labeled games, and be cautious about experiences with higher age ratings.

3. Restrict Communication: For children under 13, direct messaging is restricted, but in-game chat may still be accessible. You can choose to further limit this by adjusting chat permissions in the parental controls.

4. Monitor Activity Regularly: Check your child’s friend lists, game history, and interactions to ensure they're engaging safely. Roblox’s linked account setup makes it easier to track their activity.

5. Teach Safe Online Behavior: Talk to your child about our Godwin Online Safety rules (found here: Online Safety | Godwin Primary School) to support them to have a fun but safe experience.

6. Set Time Limits: Roblox can be very engaging, so establishing clear screen time limits can help balance play with other activities. The parental control system allows for easy time management.

7. Avoid ‘Social Hangouts’ for Young Users: Roblox restricts social-focused games for users under 13. Make sure your child isn’t accessing these types of games, as they may expose them to unfiltered interactions.

8. Enable Spending Limits: Roblox offers the option to set spending limits. This can prevent accidental purchases and encourage children to think critically about virtual spending

9. Educate About In-Game Purchases: Explain to your child how in-game purchases work, and help them understand that these purchases use real money, even if the transaction is virtual.

10. Encourage Positive Play: Look for educational games or ones that promote creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Roblox has a range of experiences designed to be constructive and fun.

These tips can help you manage your child’s time on Roblox effectively, promoting safe, balanced, and enjoyable gameplay.