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Roblox, the latest gaming fad online - Internet Safety

Top tips for parents to keep your kids safe on Roblox

  • Kids love Roblox and its really popular right now.
  • Roblox can be used to communicate with other users
  • What content is available on Roblox and why it might not be suitable for children
  • It might be expensive, turn off ‘In App purchases in settings’

            
Plus we will share our top tips for staying engaged with your children’s use of Roblox and making the most of the safety features available on the service.

Roblox Gaming Network - Internet safety for talks kids UK

What is Roblox?

Roblox is a gaming platform where players play communtivly online. The site has a collection of games aimed at 8-18 year olds, however players of all ages can use the site. 

Roblox is currently available on PC, phone, tablet and Xbox One.

Every game on Roblox is created by users, and there are a wide variety to choose from. These can vary from delivering pizzas, to roaming a kingdom as a medieval knight, to even starring in a fashion show. 

This variety is one of the reasons that Roblox is so popular with young people.

Beware of the dogs, warning for Parents

1. Communication: how users can communicate with others

There are no age restrictions and kids from as young as 6 are playing. Adults and young people play and communicate with each other. 

Roblox is built to be multiplayer and game includes a written chat feature visible to players within each individual game. Game includes chat feature when they can be approached by everyone on Roblox. 

Learn more here Roblox chat features here Roblox community guidelines and within their safety features.

2. Content: what content is available that might not be suitable for children

Players use their imagination and skills to create their own games and share these with others using the creator studio. 

Naturally this appeals to kids sense of creativity but be ware this flexibility means many games might not be appropriate for young children. 

Whilst cartoonish, many games feature exaggerated blood, guts and glory.

3. Costs: How children might accidentally run up costs

Creating games, Users can earn Robux, the Roblox money. You can also buy Robux in the game. Players can spend money on items, such as membership to the Builders Club. 

It's very commerialised encouraging kids to earn points, attracting other towards the game. To do this, players must be over the age of 13, have paid for Roblox’s premium level subscription, and have access to a Paypal account. 

Younger players need to talk to an adult to earn and to exchange their Roblox for real money.

Top tips for Parents

Whatever gaming sites your children use, our advice remains the same. It is really important to chat with your child about the sites they use and carry on having open discussions. 

This will encourage them to come to you with any concerns they may have. Stranger danger, the same message as in the real world. 

Involve your child in discussions and decisions about online safety and their internet usage. This will help them understand the importance of staying safe whilst having a great time online. 

It will also help to educate them about how they can keep themselves safe online and know what to do if something goes wrong.

1. Keep Talking, that’s vital

Show an interest in the games your children are playing. You could even have a go at playing the games yourself! If children know you have an interest in the game, they may feel more comfortable talking to you about it or coming to you for help if they need it.

2. Help them understand the importance of personal information

Check that your child understands:

  • The importance of not revealing age, name, date of birth, pictures, address etc.
  • Absolutely no meet ups, no personal details. Everything odd, weird and inappropriate reported to Mum and Dad
3. Set rules around spending money in games

Have a conversation with your child to make sure they realise that is possible to spend real money on the game. Make promises that work for your family; perhaps your child will have to ask you for permission before they make an in-game purchase. Switch off ‘in App purchases’ on all devices

4. Safety features available

Block and report:
            
Tell your child about the Roblox how to make a report page to learn how to do this.

Safety settings:

Set up the parental controls that are right for your family. You can also disable chat, set up the Parent PIN and use the Account Restrictions within Roblox. Click here for more information on how to use the Safety features. 

Settings for under 13s:

There are additional safety features for under-13s , so it’s worth checking your child’s account is registered with the correct age. Players under the age of 13 have a <13 symbol next to their username on the game at all times, however this is not displayed to other players.

5. Your door is ALWAYS open. 

Remind your child that they should come to you if they ever see something inappropriate, mean comments or if anything worries them within the game. If you know how to report this type of content within Roblox, you will be in the best position to help them if they need it.

BeSecureOnline - Internet Safety for Talks Kids UK

Contact us, for more information about our internet safety talks for kids. We share valuable information about online safety and avoiding the dangers of the internet.

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