Roblox CEO’s Online Safety Advice Sparks Heated Debate Among Parents
Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki recently ignited controversy with his comments on online safety, advising parents, "If you're not comfortable, don't let your kids be on Roblox." While he emphasized that the platform prioritizes user protection and offers "amazing experiences" for millions of children, many parents expressed mixed reactions.
Some parents praised Roblox for its entertainment value and security measures, while others raised serious concerns about addiction, online grooming, and a lack of proper response from the company.
Parents Share Their Concerns
Struggles with Gaming Addiction
Amir, a father from Leeds, believes Roblox has negatively impacted his son’s life, describing him as "addicted" to the platform.
“My 15-year-old son spends up to 14 hours a day on Roblox,” he shared. “We’re busy with work, and I feel guilty that he’s spent so much time on the game instead of quality family moments.”
Despite receiving emails about multiple violations of Roblox’s terms of service, Amir says his son finds ways to continue playing using different accounts.
Roblox responded by highlighting its screen time limit feature, which allows parents to manage the duration their children spend on the platform each day.
Grooming and Online Safety Concerns
Another parent, Sally from Scotland, expressed frustration over Roblox’s handling of child safety. She discovered that her nine-year-old daughter was targeted by an online predator while playing a life-simulation game.
“This user coerced my daughter into role-playing a marriage, then asked her to perform inappropriate acts in exchange for in-game currency,” she revealed. “She didn't comply, but the emotional damage was already done.”
Despite reporting the incident, Sally said she never received a response from Roblox, which left her feeling "enraged."
She argued that companies like Roblox should take more accountability for safeguarding young users rather than simply shifting responsibility to parents.
Roblox’s Response
Roblox maintains that it enforces strict moderation and safety measures, including AI-driven content monitoring, parental controls, and user reporting systems. However, critics argue these measures are not always effective in preventing harmful interactions.
The Debate Continues
As concerns over child safety in online gaming grow, the discussion surrounding parental responsibility versus platform accountability remains heated. Should parents restrict their children’s access, or should gaming companies implement stronger protections?
For families navigating online safety, experts recommend setting clear screen time rules, using parental controls, and maintaining open communication with children about their digital interactions.
➡️ What are your thoughts on this issue? Should gaming platforms take more responsibility, or is it up to parents to monitor their children's online activity? Share your opinions in the comments.
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