Founded in 2004 by David Baszucki and Erik Cassel, Roblox allows users to create and play a wide variety of titles designed by other gamers. But this success has also opened the door for predators, exploiters, and cybercriminals looking to take advantage of the naivety and curiosity of minors.

Safety risks on Roblox: grooming and abuse

One of the most alarming risks associated with Roblox is grooming. Predators use the platform to contact minors, often offering them Robux, the game's virtual currency, in exchange for inappropriate photos or videos.

Although Roblox claims that safety is a priority and has 24-hour moderation systems in place, these measures are not enough to prevent this type of abuse: since 2018, US police have arrested 24 people accused of abusing minors they met on the platform.

This scourge is particularly disturbing because of the ease with which predators can access children without being detected. The inherent anonymity of Roblox, where users do not need to reveal personal information, provides a haven for pedophiles.

In addition, the platform allows minors to freely interact with strangers through its chat systems, making it easier for potential victims and abusers to meet. This combination of anonymity and freedom of interaction makes Roblox a dangerous environment for children, as predators can take advantage of minors' naivety and curiosity without being easily identified.

The emergence of inappropriate content and virtual casinos on Roblox

Roblox is also criticized for allowing the creation of games that include sexualized and violent content. Although the platform has strict policies against this type of content, users can find ways to get around the filters.

In some cases, it was also used to induce minors to participate in dangerous activities or even kidnappings. A recent case involved a young man who kidnapped a girl after a “challenge” posed on the platform.

Another problem is the proliferation of virtual casinos within games, where users can gamble with Robux. This can lead to addictive behavior and the financial exploitation of minors.

A recent report by the firm BaityBait revealed that Roblox facilitates the expansion of virtual casinos and pay-to-win systems within its platform. These systems allow children to spend large amounts of real money to gain advantages in games, raising concerns due to the lack of clear regulation on these microtransactions: many minors end up spending money without being aware of the consequences, often using funds from their parents.

Furthermore, Roblox was criticized by experts in reference to its regulatory evasion strategy, as it classifies its offerings as “experiences” rather than “games.” This tactic allows the platform to circumvent legal restrictions that would normally apply to games intended for minors, especially those that imitate casino mechanics.

This situation led to growing concern among parents and child safety experts, who see these practices as a form of financial exploitation and a risk to the well-being of minors.

How to mitigate risks and protect children on Roblox

Roblox has stated on several occasions that security is a priority and that it has 24-hour moderation systems in place to detect and block inappropriate content

However, although a series of measures have been implemented to improve security on the platform, such as the creation of accounts for parents that allow them to monitor children's activities, many experts believe that these actions are not enough.

Some recommendations to mitigate risks on Roblox are:

• Parents or guardians should accompany minors in using the platform, understanding how it works and maintaining open communication about online activities.
• It is important that adults are aware of what children do on Roblox and with whom they chat.
• Discuss the risks and consequences of certain online actions.
• Establish clear limits on game time and the type of content allowed.
• Read also: Roblox in the spotlight: parents demand more measures to prevent children from wasting money on games

What is Roblox?

Roblox is an online entertainment platform that combines elements of gaming, creation, and socialization. Created in 2004 by David Baszucki and Erik Cassel, Roblox allows users to design, create, and play a wide variety of interactive virtual worlds, known as “experiences” or “games,” using programming and design tools such as Roblox Studio.

Key Features:

1. Game Creation: Users can create their own games or participate in those created by others. This includes a wide range of genres, from role-playing adventures to simulations and strategy games.
2. Social Interaction: Roblox is a metaverse where users not only play games, but also socially engage with other players through chat systems and online communities.
3. Virtual Economy: The platform operates with an economy based on Robux, its virtual currency, which allows users to purchase in-game items and independent developers to generate income through their creations.
4. Accessibility: Roblox is free and accessible from multiple devices, making it easy to use anytime, anywhere.