👨👩👧👦Parent Snapshot
Quick Safety Checklist:
- ✓Enable Account Restrictions in Settings
- ✓Set up a Parental PIN
- ✓Review and limit chat permissions
- ✓Set spending controls for Robux
📖Table of Contents
What is Roblox?
Roblox isn't just one game—it's a platform where millions of user-created games live. Think of it as a digital playground where kids can:
- Play thousands of different games made by other users
- Create their own games using Roblox Studio
- Chat and socialize with other players
- Customize their avatar with clothing and accessories
- Join groups and make friends
The variety is enormous: racing games, role-playing adventures, obstacle courses, fashion shows, and everything in between.
Should My Kid Play Roblox?
The Good
- Creativity: Kids can learn basic programming and game design
- Social Connection: Great way to play with friends, especially during remote times
- Variety: Thousands of games mean there's something for every interest
- Educational Value: Some games teach coding, math, or problem-solving
The Concerns
- Unmoderated Content: User-generated games can contain inappropriate content
- Chat Risks: Direct messaging and in-game chat with strangers
- Spending Pressure: Social pressure to buy Robux for avatar items
- Time Sink: Highly engaging design can lead to excessive screen time
Roblox's safety depends heavily on your settings. The default settings are NOT safe enough for most kids under 13.
Essential Safety Setup
1. Account Restrictions (Most Important)
📋Step-by-Step Guide
2. Set Up Parental PIN
📋Step-by-Step Guide
3. Chat and Privacy Controls
- Who can message me: Set to "No one" or "Friends"
- Who can chat with me in-game: Set to "No one" or "Friends"
- Who can invite me to VIP servers: Set to "No one" or "Friends"
4. Spending Controls
📋Step-by-Step Guide
What Does Roblox Cost?
Free vs. Premium
- Free Account: Full access to games, basic avatar customization
- Roblox Premium ($4.99-19.99/month): Monthly Robux allowance, extra features, revenue sharing for creators
Robux (Virtual Currency)
- 400 Robux: $4.99
- 800 Robux: $9.99
- 1,700 Robux: $19.99
- 4,500 Robux: $49.99
Many kids spend $20-50+ per month on Robux. Set clear limits upfront and consider starting with a monthly budget.
Age-Appropriate Guidelines
Ages 6-8: Account Restrictions Required
- Must use Account Restrictions setting
- No chat allowed
- Play together for the first few sessions
- Stick to popular, well-reviewed games
Ages 9-12: Supervised Freedom
- Account Restrictions recommended
- Limited chat with friends only
- Regular check-ins on friend lists
- Clear spending rules
Ages 13+: Graduated Independence
- Can gradually remove some restrictions
- Teach about appropriate online behavior
- Monitor spending and time limits
- Discuss digital citizenship
Red Flags to Watch For
⚠️Consider If...
- -Secretive about who they're playing with
- -Asking for your password or payment info
- -Receiving 'gifts' from online friends
- -Dramatic mood changes after playing
- -Spending hours in 'private' games
- -Using language they didn't know before
Getting Started Safely
📋Step-by-Step Guide
Popular Game Types
Safe Bets for Younger Kids
- Adopt Me: Virtual pet care game
- Brookhaven: Role-playing in a peaceful town
- MeepCity: Social hangout game
- Tower of Hell: Obstacle course climbing
Games Requiring More Supervision
- Piggy: Horror-themed escape game
- Arsenal: First-person shooter
- Murder Mystery: Detective game with mild violence
- Jailbreak: Cops vs. robbers roleplay
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Bottom Line for Parents
Roblox can be a creative, social, and educational platform when properly supervised. The key is setting up safety controls from day one and gradually loosening them as your child demonstrates responsible behavior.
Start with maximum restrictions and gradually reduce them based on your child's age and maturity level. It's much easier to give more freedom later than to take it away.
The platform requires active parental involvement—this isn't a "set it and forget it" game. Plan to spend time understanding what your child is playing and who they're interacting with.