Roblox Dangers: What Parents Need to Know
Updated from my previous article
Back in 2022, I wrote Roblox—A Parent’s Guide, which has proven to be one of my most viewed posts. So, I thought it was time to update it for 2025! Much of the information in the previous post is still very relevant, as is the YouTube video I made for it, take a few minutes to read it first.
What are the risks?
CONTACT WITH STRANGERS
Roblox encourages players to interact online (including a group chat function), which could expose children to various risks. Scammers often attempt to trick young Roblox fans into exchanging their paid-for items for something which turns out to be of much lesser value — or something they never even receive. The in-game chat has some filters, but as with all filters it isn’t perfect and players can still send offensive messages, whilst predators can reach out to children directly.
PUBLIC SERVERS
Roblox has private or VIP servers which allow people to play exclusively with their friends, but this costs money — usually a one-off payment. Most Roblox players will instead be on public servers that anyone can join. Servers can host games which focus on all kinds of aspects, including direct player interaction. Some lobbies, therefore, will put children at greater risk of contact with strangers than others.
ONLINE DATERS
These are also called 'ODers' and are quite common in Roblox. An ODer is an individual who joins a game to find someone to date online — and eventually meet in person. Such online dating is against the Roblox community guidelines, but this doesn’t usually deter such people. Some player-built Roblox levels have even been designed with online dating specifically in mind, and this will not always be obvious.
IN-APP PURCHASES
Roblox is free to download and play, but bear in mind that there are some extra costs. These are usually indicated with the symbol for 'Robux' (the in-game currency). Players are encouraged to make purchases in the game using real money. People can also buy extra Robux to spend on cosmetic items in the game, and it’s also possible to purchase a private or VIP server.
Advice for Parents & Teachers
SET PARENTAL CONTROLS
Roblox comes with several parental control options, which are explained well on the game’s official website here. It’s essential to enter the correct date of birth for younger players, as that allows Roblox to automatically apply appropriate chat filters. The game also allows parents and carers to set monthly spending restrictions and monitor their child’s account.
DISABLE PRIVATE MESSAGING
Roblox’s private messaging function raises the risk of children being contacted by people they may not want to speak with, potentially leading to bullying, harassment, toxicity and scam attempts. Keep in mind that the game allows you to disable messages from anyone who hasn’t been added as a friend to your account.
MONITOR SPENDING
If they don’t understand they’re using real money, it’s easy for children to accidentally spend a sizeable amount within the game. Using parental controls to place limits on their spending will help avoid any nasty financial surprises. Ensuring that two-factor authentication is enabled on any payment account also makes it harder for children to spend money inadvertently.
PRIVATE SERVERS
If a child has friends to play Roblox with, paying for a private or VIP server decreases the risk of contact with strangers. However, the player who owns the server could invite other people who might not be child-friendly to join them. Additionally, private servers can be set up in such a way that any player on the host’s friends list can join, so it’s important to discuss who your children are playing with.
DEALING WITH STRANGERS
At some point in their development, children must learn how to deal with strangers online. Show them how to block and report any users who are upsetting them or asking uncomfortable questions. Talking to them about what’s okay to discuss and what they should never tell a stranger can help them understand how to communicate more safely with other people online.
Stay informed, communicate openly with your children, and remember you are not alone.
My kids are too young to play games yet but it's unfathomable to me at this moment in time that a child would have my bank acct hooked up to a game.