Roblox is an online game and app where you can create your own games or play games that other users have made. There’s the option to chat to other players, but you can change this to private or friends only.
Official age rating
Sitting down with your child and exploring their favourite app or game is a great way for you to learn more about what they like to do online.
You can ask them why they like to use an app or play certain games, as well as who they’re talking to and what sorts of things they’re sharing.
You can also read our Net Aware reviews for tips on how to keep kids safe on popular apps, sites and games.
Always check the age ratings of games. You can usually find this on the official site or wherever you downloaded the app.
Most games should have a PEGI rating which represents the recommended minimum age a player should be based on the content and themes of the game. But PEGI ratings don't consider communication features, such as chat. You can find more info on the official PEGI site.
Remember that age ratings are a general guide and don’t cover everything. It's important to check the game out for yourself before letting your child play it. And you know your child better than anyone, so think about whether it’s suitable for them as an individual.
Help your child think about what they share online and who sees it. Compare it to what they would be happy to share offline.
Use examples that are easy for them to understand: “You shouldn't give your number to somebody you don't know on the street. Is somebody online you don't know any different?”
Listen to their answers. And be positive and encouraging.
Remind them that they shouldn’t share private things, such as:
Most gaming platforms allow you to chat with other players whilst you play the game. This can take place in chat boxes, both privately and publicly, or via voice or video call.
Make sure you check in with your child regularly about who they’re talking to on their favourite games. Remind them that conversations should only be about the game, and if someone starts asking them other questions or suggests they speak using another app like Snapchat or Instagram they should tell you.
Explore safety settings together like block, report and mute so your child knows how to stop unwanted contact or end an online chat if it's not about the game.
Be aware that some children use third party chat apps like Discord to communicate with other players while gaming. Make sure to ask your child if they’re using any other messaging apps to chat with friends or people they don’t know while playing games online.
Roblox has a Parents, Safety, and Moderation section on their website which you might want to explore.
Their information on safety is particularly useful which includes advice on:
Explore and discuss these features with your child and take time to set them up together.
You can chat to other players on Roblox using in-game chat features, private messages and groups.
Any players that are 12 or younger have their posts and chats automatically filtered for inappropriate content and to stop them sharing personal information.
Players that are 13 and over can say more to other players, but inappropriate content and sharing personal information are still restricted for everyone, regardless of age.
Roblox has information on how you can restrict or disable chat features on all accounts, setting them to friends only or completely private.
Explore these features with your child and decide what’s best for your family.
Be aware that some young people might use third-party apps like Discord and Twitch to talk to others via text, voice or video chat while gaming. Some games even have official verified forums for fans to share tips and talk about the game on these platforms.
We've also come across some unofficial chat add-ons available for players to download that enable them to chat with other gamers who live nearby.
Make sure to talk to your child regularly about the different apps they’re using to communicate with people online and who they’re playing with. It’s also important to remind your child to never share their location with anyone, especially if the other player lives nearby.
Explain that you understand the internet is a great place to play, create, learn and connect. But remind them they can talk to you if anything upsets or worries them.
Reassure them that you won’t overreact – you’re just looking out for them.
It’s important to remind your child that they can talk you, another adult they trust, like a teacher, or Childline about anything they see online.
Explore the parental controls together and adjust the chat privacy to limit or disable who can talk to your child.
Having open, regular conversations with your child will help you to really understand and explore the online world together. Our tips and advice can help you start these conversations.
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