Roblox Developer Says Platform’s Child Safety Measures “Do Not Go Far Enough”

Roblox Developer Says Platform’s Child Safety Measures “Do Not Go Far Enough” An independent game developer associated with the popular online gaming platform Roblox has raised fresh concerns about the company’s child safety systems, saying the measures including recently introduced age verification checks “do not go far enough” to protect young users.

In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, the anonymous developer described only as someone who creates games on the platform said that, despite new safety features, Roblox still exposes children to risks such as inappropriate interactions and harmful content. Roblox, which allows users to create and play games in shared virtual spaces, averages tens of millions of players per day globally, with a significant portion of its audience under the age of 13. The developer told the BBC that while Roblox’s age verification checks rolled out in the UK earlier this year represent a step forward, they are not sufficient to shield children fully from danger. He argued that:

• Parents should monitor their children “24/7” while using the platform, and if that level of supervision isn’t possible, then children shouldn’t be playing Roblox at all.
• He has witnessed instances of users being encouraged to interact inappropriately with strangers, with some conversations being moved off the platform a practice Roblox rules expressly forbid.
• Some user‑created games depict violent or controversial real‑world scenarios that may be unsuitable for children.

The developer, who asked not to be named, said these experiences prompted him to speak out after hearing public statements from Roblox’s chief safety officer about the company’s safety protocols. In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for Roblox told the BBC that safety remains a “top priority” and highlighted the platform’s existing safeguards. These include automated content filters, behavioural monitoring, and age‑tiered communication restrictions. The company noted that the mandatory age verification system which may involve document checks or facial age checks is designed to help limit interactions between age groups and assist with content moderation. Roblox has faced continued scrutiny over its child protection measures, with critics arguing that the platform’s rapid growth and open‑ended environment pose challenges for moderation. Some countries have even banned or restricted access over safety concerns. Safety advocates and parents have called for stronger protections, saying that existing controls still leave children vulnerable to inappropriate content and contact with strangers online.