Roblox Introduces New Child Safety Features: Chat Restrictions for Users Under 13

Roblox Enhances Child Safety Features

Roblox is making significant strides in improving child safety on its platform. Recently announced updates will introduce new communication limitations specifically for users under 13. Starting this coming Monday, these younger users will be restricted from sending direct messages (DMs) to players outside of games or experiences. Additionally, they will need parental permission to send in-game DMs. This important change, however, won't be fully enforced until the first quarter of 2025.

Background on Recent Safety Concerns

The implementation of these restrictions comes in response to alarming reports indicating that Roblox has struggled to effectively protect its younger audience. Notably, a detailed article from Bloomberg revealed instances of predators using chat features to communicate with children. A subsequent report by Hindenburg Research went as far as labeling Roblox an "X-rated pedophile hellscape." To combat such issues, the platform will enforce these new chat restrictions alongside its existing automatic chat filters designed to prevent users from sharing personal information.

Expanded Parental Controls

Roblox is also introducing dedicated accounts for parents and caregivers. These accounts will allow parents to manage their child’s screen time limits remotely, eliminating the need for physical access to their child's account to set parental controls. This development is a significant step towards empowering parents to keep a closer watch on their children's activities on the platform.

Content Labeling System

Alongside the communication and parental control updates, Roblox is shifting to a new content labeling system. Instead of assigning specific age ratings to experiences, Robo... will now use labels to describe content in different experiences. For instance, an experience labeled as 'moderate' may feature moderate fear or crude humor. Furthermore, users under the age of 9 will be limited to accessing experiences with 'minimal' or 'mild' content labels unless they have parental permission. Additionally, Roblox will prohibit users under 13 from accessing social hangout experiences and those involving free-form writing or drawing.

Conclusion

These updates mark a proactive approach by Roblox to enhance its child safety measures. With the growing concerns surrounding online interactions, particularly for younger users, Roblox is taking essential steps to create a safer environment. As parents and caregivers navigate the digital landscape, these changes will provide valuable tools to help protect children while allowing them to enjoy their gaming experiences.

For more information about Roblox's new safety features, visit Roblox's official website.