Roblox, the widely popular gaming platform for children and preteens, has introduced new parental controls to strengthen child safety. These updates come after concerns were raised about the platform’s ability to protect young users from online risks such as grooming, explicit content, and violence.
New features give parents more control
On Wednesday, Roblox announced three new safety features that allow parents to have greater oversight of their child’s gaming experience. These updates include blocking specific experiences, restricting certain people on their child’s friend list, and tracking which experiences their child engages with the most.
Previously, parents could only view their child’s friend list, but now they can take action by blocking individuals they find concerning. This means unwanted interactions and direct messages from restricted users will be prevented entirely. Children under 13 cannot unblock restricted users unless they receive parental permission.
The new experience-blocking tool also allows parents to set stricter limits on the types of games their child can access. While parents could already control content maturity levels, this update offers a more tailored approach. Children can see the blocked list and request approval from their parents to access a restricted experience.
Monitoring screen time and game activity
Another major update lets parents track their child’s gaming habits more closely. A new monitoring feature displays the 20 experiences their child has spent the most time on over the past week, providing valuable insight into their gaming preferences and overall activity.
Roblox had previously introduced screen time management tools, allowing parents to set daily limits. These new features build on those efforts, giving parents an even clearer picture of their child’s online behaviour.
How to access the new parental controls
To use these enhanced safety tools, parents must first link their Roblox account to their child’s account. This requires identity verification, which can be done using an ID or a credit card. Once the accounts are connected, parents can navigate to the “Parental Controls” section in the settings menu to customise restrictions and monitor their child’s activity.
Roblox continues to refine its safety measures as part of an ongoing effort to create a safer online space for young players. These updates aim to give parents more control, ensuring children enjoy the platform without exposure to inappropriate content or unsafe interactions.
