What is Roblox? Should My Kids Use It?

Aug 29, 2022 | Parenting Tips and advices

Gone are the days when kids gathered coins and lined up in front of arcades with their friends to play games. The advent of technology has completely revolutionized the gaming industry. Kids of the modern age have access to countless games, which they can play with their friends online from the comfort of their own homes. That brings us to the latest trend, Roblox. Let’s dive in and see why your kids rave about it.

What Is Roblox?

Roblox is a platform that allows its users to create their own games for various devices, i.e., computers, smartphones, tablets, Oculus Rift, Xbox, HTC Vive, etc. Users can design their games using their imagination and upload them on this platform for people to play. All that happens on a proprietary program known as Roblox Studio. But how exactly does it work?

How Does It Work?

The platform’s team says that the players can create their own universe in the multiverse of Roblox. Users can create games and avatars of any genre, from race car drivers to superheroes to detectives and so on. The sky is the limit.

Here is the thing. Since it is a platform, kids get access to millions of games. Users can create whatever game they like and upload them for the international community to play. The games on this platform are 3-D with real-world experience.

That means, unlike old games (e.g., Super Mario Bros) where you could only go in one direction, the avatars of this game can move in any direction they like. Most games on this platform are either free or cheap enough to buy, which is one of the reasons it is popular with kids.

Why Is It Popular with Kids?

Let’s look at the four major reasons why Roblox is rapidly gaining popularity among kids and teens.

Create Your Own Games

In addition to playing countless fun games, kids can develop their own games with its Studio. It allows kids to hone their creativity and learn coding in an interactive environment. They can make their dreams come true with Roblox.

Customize Your Avatars

Once kids create their avatars, they can upgrade them as they like at any point in time. The avatar can get a complete makeover, from appearance to props to powers and so on.

Socialize with Friends

Just like kids socialize with friends on social media platforms, they can talk to their friends on this platform and engage in multiplayer games.

Play Across Various Devices

It is easier and quicker to find new and exciting games on Roblox compared to traditional gaming studios. Kids can play these games on various devices, such as Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, tablets, Xbox, etc.

Parents might be wondering, if it offers so much creativity and connectivity, why should I consider limiting its use for my kids?

Should My Kids Use It?

Just like with other platforms that allow user-created content and in-app chat features, the chances of kids getting exposed to inappropriate content and profanity on Roblox are always high. Since the platform offers countless games, kids may easily find age-inappropriate games with explicit and graphic scenes/interactions that imitate sexual content, drug abuse, violence, profanity, etc.

Another reason parents must beware of Roblox is its in-game chatting features. Kids can play with strangers as well as friends. They may come across as potential predators without realizing it. The dangers of online grooming and sexual predators are real and rampant on such platforms.

Moreover, kids can fall victim to scams or phishing attacks. How? Most of the games on this platform allow in-app purchases, which can be made in two ways. Kids can pay with real-world currency or use Robux, the in-game currency. Scammers might offer free in-game currency (Robux) to scam kids.

Parents can’t really stop kids from using such platforms and games entirely. Why? Even if parents successfully prevent kids from using this app in their own homes, they may play it at their friends’ houses or places that offer free Wi-Fi. So, what is the solution to this problem?

How Do I Keep My Kids Safe from the Dangers Posed by Roblox?

There are two ways parents can ensure their kids’ digital safety while allowing them to use Roblox.

Educate Kids About Digital Safety & Cybercrime

Having an honest conversation with kids about the dangers posed by social media communities, online gaming platforms, and cybercrimes that stem from such places is the best way to raise their guard. Knowing the severity of consequences and aftermath of incidents like scams, identity theft, online grooming, etc., can help kids stay alert.

Use Parental Controls Like FamilyTime

Raising awareness among kids is a great idea indeed. But it doesn’t guarantee their safety. Kids are known to be reckless. So, what to do? Use parental control apps, like FamilyTime, that offer plenty of safety features. For instance, FamilyTime’s App Blocker can help you block all unsafe games/apps (like Roblox) on your kids’ devices from your own device remotely.