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Developer raises alarm over Roblox child safety gaps
An independent Roblox creator has told the BBC that the platform's safeguards, including mandatory age verification, fail to adequately protect young users. The developer, who requested anonymity, called for constant parental supervision, warning that children should not use Roblox unless monitored around the clock.
Platform's scale and risks
Roblox remains the UK's most popular gaming platform among 8- to 12-year-olds, with over 80 million daily global users in 2024. Nearly 40% of those players were under 13. The platform allows users to create and share games, interact in open-world environments, and monetise content through ads or in-game purchases.
Critics argue these features expose children to risks, including grooming and violent or harmful content. Some allege Roblox has become a target for predators, while others point to games depicting real-world tragedies, such as school shootings or exploitation scenarios.
Developer's firsthand concerns
Identified only as "Sam," the developer contacted the BBC after hearing Roblox's chief safety officer, Matt Kaufman, discuss the platform's safety measures on 5 Live Breakfast. Kaufman highlighted mandatory age verification, introduced in the UK in January 2026, and other filters designed to block harmful content and communications.
Sam, who earns income from Roblox and volunteers for an online safety nonprofit, contradicted Kaufman's claims. "I've seen people lured into inappropriate interactions with strangers," he said. "I've also witnessed users being led off-platform to continue conversations elsewhere-something Roblox explicitly prohibits."
"I've seen games where the objective is to shoot as many people as possible in recreations of Sandy Hook or Columbine. I've seen remakes of Epstein Island."
Anonymous Roblox developer
Sam added that only about 30% of reported concerns result in action, despite the platform's stated commitment to swift responses.
Roblox's response and global restrictions
A Roblox spokesperson told the BBC that safety is a "top priority," citing advanced safeguards and filters to prevent harmful content. The company said it uses independently certified age checks to limit interactions between users of similar ages and continuously monitors behaviour for discrepancies.
"If we detect signs that a user's actions don't match their verified age, we prompt them to reverify," the spokesperson said.
Despite these measures, Roblox has faced bans in several countries. Russia and Turkey have blocked the platform entirely over child safety concerns, while Indonesia will prohibit under-16s from accessing it starting 28 March. Australia's proposed social media ban for minors does not currently include Roblox, though some advocates have pushed for its inclusion.
Parental responsibility and government action
Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki previously advised parents to trust their instincts. "If you're not comfortable, don't let your kids be on Roblox," he told the BBC in March 2025. Sam echoed this sentiment, urging parents to supervise children "24/7" or keep them off the platform entirely.
The UK government is currently consulting on measures to enhance online safety for young people, including potential social media bans, app time limits, and curfews. Trials for these measures were announced on Wednesday, though it remains unclear whether Roblox would be affected.
