For many children and teens, Roblox is more than a game—it’s a social space where they create, play, and connect with friends. But recent lawsuits and growing concerns about online safety have raised questions about how parents can help young people safely navigate platforms like Roblox.
Robin Batten, program director of the Washtenaw Area Council for Children (WACC), has spent years teaching cyber safety throughout Washtenaw County. Batten, who has been with the organization for 17 years, said Roblox’s popularity makes it important for families to understand both its benefits and risks.
“I am aware that it is a gaming platform that both young and older people enjoy,” Batten said. “Many young people enjoy the platform; it’s very popular.”
Understanding the risks
While Roblox offers opportunities for creativity and social interaction, Batten notes that many of the concerns parents have about the platform are like those found across the internet.
“As with all online platforms, I am concerned about the risks and challenges that young people face as they visit and engage with others on Roblox,” Batten said. “There are risks of bullying, talking to strangers, online predators, exposure to inappropriate content, time spent, and scams. My list can go on and on.”
Recent lawsuits against Roblox have alleged failures to adequately protect children from harmful interactions and inappropriate content. Batten believes those concerns deserve attention.
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“Those concerns are valid,” she said. “While Roblox and other platforms are designed for enjoyment, many use them for nefarious purposes, and unfortunately, they pose risks and harm to children.”
At the same time, Batten emphasizes that knowledge and preparation can significantly reduce risks.
“However, if kids learn how to protect themselves, the risk of harm decreases,” she said.
Are parents keeping up?
One challenge is that many parents may not fully understand how platforms like Roblox work.
“I think that some parents have an understanding of how Roblox works and its features,” Batten said. “It can be hard to understand if you are not a platform user, which many of us as parents/adults are not.”
Even so, she believes many parents recognize the potential dangers.
The positive side of gaming
Despite safety concerns, Batten sees significant benefits when platforms are used responsibly.
“If used positively, I see Roblox and other platforms as a way for youth to engage and have fun with their friends—an opportunity for positive social interaction,” she said.
Roblox also offers creative opportunities that appeal to many young users.
“On Roblox, there is creativity involved,” Batten said. “They get to customize their characters. There’s some game creation opportunity, and it can be played on various devices.”
Gaming and online interaction can also provide valuable social connections.
“Gaming, social media and other online platforms all offer an opportunity for connecting and positive interaction with peers,” Batten said. “Positive interaction is beneficial to our health and wellbeing. On those boring indoor days, kids can have fun gaming with their friends.”
Balancing benefits and mental health concerns
Like many experts in youth online safety, Batten believes moderation is important.
“Negative online interaction, such as bullying and online exploitation, can hurt young people’s mental health, increasing stress, anxiety and depression,” she said.
She also points to research linking excessive time online with poorer mental health outcomes.
“There is a high correlation between the amount of time spent on online platforms and negative mental health,” Batten said.
What families can do
According to Batten, parents remain the most important line of defense when it comes to online safety.
“Parents are in the best position to support youth online safety,” she said.
She encourages families to start conversations about online behavior before children receive devices or gain access to social media and gaming platforms.
“Before they decide to purchase a device or allow their children to use social media and technology, that is an opportunity to discuss online safety,” Batten said.
Parents can teach children about privacy settings, protecting personal information, and how to respond to uncomfortable situations online.
“Parents can educate their children on what to do if they encounter inappropriate content, a stranger or something that frightens them,” she said.
Batten also recommends setting parental controls and establishing household expectations.
“I would advise parents to set parental controls on every device and establish and discuss household rules for internet and technology use with their children,” she said.
Most importantly, she believes adults should model the behavior they want children to follow.
“Be role models of the behavior that you want to see in your children,” Batten said.
Her message is simple: “Educating kids about how to protect themselves online reduces online risks and empowers them to make safe decisions for a lifetime,” Batten said.
Looking ahead
Batten would like to see more cyber safety education available to families, schools and communities.
“As a cyber safety educator, I would love to see an increase in cyber safety education in schools for students, parents, guardians, educators and community members,” she said.
She also believes policymakers have a role to play.
“Policymakers can become more actively involved in keeping kids safe online and support organizations that provide cyber safety education,” Batten said.
For families navigating Roblox and other online platforms, Batten stresses that internet safety education should be treated just like any other safety lesson.
“We teach safe rules for the real world,” she said. “Safety rules should be taught for cyberspace.”
Learn more
The Washtenaw Area Council for Children is a child abuse prevention education organization that has provided cyber safety programming in local schools and community organizations since 2007. Families interested in learning more about cyber safety education can visit WACC’s website or contact Robin Batten through the organization.
