What the Research Shows
Roblox is one of the most popular online platforms for children, with millions of daily users.
While it offers creativity and social play, it also carries serious safety concerns. Recent reports
highlight a rise in predator activity, scams, and inappropriate content targeting kids.
Key Findings
● Predators & Grooming: Many predators create fake accounts or manipulate children
in-game, asking them to share explicit images or personal information. Some even extort
kids for money or gifts.
● In-Game Spending Risks: Children are often encouraged to make purchases to
advance in games. Predators may exploit this pressure to coerce further purchases or
gifts.
● Exposure to Inappropriate Content: Despite moderation efforts, children may still
encounter violent, sexual, or harmful user-generated material.
● Bullying & Peer Pressure: Harassment and social pressure within games can impact
children’s anxiety levels and self-esteem.
● Rising Trend of Scams: Scammers frequently offer “free Robux” or game “hacks” to
steal account access or personal data.
Recent News & Developments
● Lawsuit Over Sextortion of a 10-Year-Old: A mother in North Carolina is suing Roblox,
alleging that a predator groomed her 10-year-old daughter by offering “Robux” for
explicit images, then threatened to pull back the gift if she refused. The case accuses
Roblox of weak age verification and failing to prioritize child safety.The Times of
India+9WIRED+9Los Angeles Times+9New York PostPeople.com+3Times Union+3New
York Post+3
● Legal Backlash and Growing Lawsuits: Roblox is facing multiple lawsuits. In one
accused case, the platform allegedly enabled grooming, kidnapping, and sexual exploitation of a 13-year-old, called a “digital hunting ground” for predators. Another claims a 9-year-old boy was extorted after months of harassment. Milberg | Leading Class Action Law Firm+1
● Predators Making Use of AI Sextortion Tactics: Investigations have revealed that
some abusers are using AI-generated explicit content created from children’s faces to
blackmail and manipulate victims, including on platforms like
Roblox.Bloomberg.com+15anapolweiss.com+15The Sun+15
● Platform’s Safety Reforms Under Scrutiny: Despite newly implemented safety
measures, such as AI age verification and content moderation tools, experts warn these
systems remain insufficient. Reports show self-reported child exploitation cases climbed
dramatically, from 675 in 2019 to over 24,000 in 2024.WIRED+1
Why This Matters
Not every child experiences Roblox the same way, but for many, exposure to risks like
sextortion, grooming, scams, and inappropriate content can lead to increased anxiety and
vulnerability. Understanding these dangers is essential for parents, educators, and caregivers to
guide children safely online.
What Parents and Educators Can Do
● Start Conversations Early: Ask about in-game experiences and feelings.
● Monitor Gameplay: Use parental controls, check chat logs, and review friend lists
frequently.
● Set Boundaries: Define clear rules around screen time, purchases, and online
interactions.
● Educate on Risks: Teach children about scams, sextortion, and why they should never
share personal info or images.
● Encourage Balance: Promote offline play, friendships, and responsibilities.
Final Thought
Children don’t just need rules, they need empathy, awareness, and safe spaces both online and
offline. By staying informed, vigilant, and engaged, parents and educators can help Roblox and
other fun platforms become healthier places for play and learning.