Roblox, a popular gaming platform with about 70 million daily users, is ramping up its safety measures to protect younger players, especially those under 13. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing, why it matters, and how it affects both young users and their guardians.
Key Safety Updates
Starting December 3, 2024, game creators on Roblox will need to label their games as either suitable or not suitable for users under 13. Games without this age rating will automatically be unavailable to players aged 12 and under. This change aims to make sure younger users are only accessing age-appropriate content.
Additionally, as of November 18, 2024, players under 13 won’t be able to join “social hangouts” – these are virtual spaces designed mainly for chatting and voice interactions. Roblox wants to minimize the risk of young users getting into conversations that aren’t safe or properly moderated.
The platform is also tightening its rules around “free-form 2D user creation.” For example, games that allow users to draw or write messages in 2D and share them without moderation will no longer be accessible to players under 13. This will prevent offensive images or messages from slipping through the system’s filters.
Why Are These Changes Happening?
Roblox has always been a favorite for kids aged 8 to 12, but with that popularity have come challenges. Earlier this year, reports surfaced of inappropriate messages being sent to young users on the platform. Regulatory bodies, like the UK’s Ofcom, have been urging tech companies to step up protections for children online, and Roblox is responding with these new rules to create a safer experience for its users.
Other Safety Features You Should Know About
Roblox has several other safety features already in place to help parents manage their child’s experience on the platform. Here’s a quick look:
- Parental Controls: Roblox offers easy-to-use parental controls where guardians can set limits on interactions, content, and in-game purchases.
- Content Moderation: A combination of automated systems and real human moderators work together to keep an eye on user-generated content, making sure it aligns with Roblox’s community standards.
- Educational Resources: Roblox also provides guides for parents and educators to understand the platform better, so they can supervise their kids more effectively.
Common Questions About Roblox’s New Safety Rules
1. How can parents set up age restrictions on Roblox?
Parents can enable age restrictions by going to their child’s account settings, clicking on the “Privacy” tab, and adjusting “Account Restrictions” to limit access to age-appropriate games and content.
2. What should users do if they encounter inappropriate content or behavior?
If users come across any offensive content or suspicious behavior, they can use Roblox’s in-game reporting tools. These reports go directly to Roblox’s moderation team for review and action.
3. How does Roblox’s moderation system work?
Roblox combines automated systems with human moderators to track content and interactions on the platform. They’re continuously updating their system to stay ahead of potential safety issues.
4. Are there resources for parents to understand Roblox’s safety features better?
Yes, Roblox offers a “Parents Guide” and other helpful materials on its website that explain the platform’s safety features and how to set up parental controls.
Roblox is committed to creating a secure and fun environment for all its players, especially younger ones. With these new safety measures, they aim to protect young users while ensuring everyone can enjoy the games responsibly.
Sources BBC
