My eight-year-old son has never played Roblox, yet he keeps discussing the gaming platform with rising enthusiasm. He insists he once played it, despite my reminders that he likely confused it with another online game. He recently repeated a story he heard in his school’s computer lab about a student using a VPN to access Roblox. He then asked me what a VPN does.
We live in Istanbul, Türkiye, where authorities blocked Roblox in August 2024 under a court order mentioning child exploitation concerns. Despite the ban, children continue discussing Roblox, and their curiosity appears stronger than ever.
The platform records 151 million daily active users around the world. One-third of these users are under age 13. Opening an account was once extremely easy, requiring only a username and password.
Experts say Roblox created a digital space where millions of children interact at the same moment. They argue that no earlier period saw such widespread and simultaneous online contact between young users. However, experts also warn parents that this space can remain unsafe without strict oversight.
Experts Cite Free Access and Endless Experiences
Damon De Ionno, managing director of UK-based Revealing Reality, attributes Roblox’s success to two main factors. He says children flock to the platform because the games remain free and the options appear endless. He notes that Roblox hosts thousands of experiences, giving children a sense of limitless choice.
He explains that children tire of games quickly and always seek new ones. He adds that Roblox feels like a boundless toy store offering constant novelty.
Growing Concerns Over Child Safety
Around twelve countries, including Kuwait and Qatar, have imposed full or partial bans over safety concerns. Lawyers and advocacy groups worldwide are urging governments to push the company toward stronger protections.
Roblox faces several lawsuits in the United States related to child sexual abuse. Authorities allege that predators groomed or kidnapped victims after forming connections inside Roblox experiences. Texas sued Roblox in November, with Attorney General Ken Paxton calling the platform a breeding ground for predators.
Parents have complained for years about insufficient safety controls. Many argue that Roblox encourages excessive spending on avatar outfits and accessories. They also claim that children grow dependent on games and pressure parents for constant purchases.
Despite these concerns, Roblox continues expanding among preteens across the globe. Popular titles like Grow a Garden and Adopt Me rank among the world’s most played games. Analysts say many parents still misunderstand Roblox’s cultural influence on young users.
Children share memes like Tictac Sahur, Tralalero Tralalero and Spaghetti-Tualetti, which fuel a unique digital culture shaping Generation Alpha’s identity. Courtesy: TRT.com
