Roblox Pledges to Make Its Platform Safer for Kids
The popular online gaming platform Roblox has faced criticism over its policies for young players. In a recent interview with the BBC, David Baszucki, co-founder and CEO of Roblox, emphasized the company’s efforts to provide a safe environment for kids. Baszucki stated that parents should have the final say in whether their children play the game, and if they’re concerned about the content or interactions, they should prohibit their kids from playing.
Baszucki trusts parents to make decisions about their children’s online safety but also believes in Roblox’s safety measures. The company views even one incident of harm as too many and continuously monitors for hazardous behavior. Moderators watch for bullying, harassment, and inappropriate behavior by analyzing player activity. Players who don’t follow the rules can be temporarily or permanently banned. If a severe situation arises, the company will take legal action.
In November, Roblox introduced new safety measures, limiting players under 13 from accessing public chat or unrated content. Game creators on the platform must also set content ratings. However, parents still need to supervise and monitor their children’s online activities. Despite these efforts, the BBC found that kids can still access inappropriate situations on the platform.
Last year, Roblox had over 80 million daily players, surpassing the combined user base of PlayStation Network and Nintendo Switch Online. Around 40% of players are under 13 years old. While Roblox has increased protection, parents must remain vigilant.