An independent game developer for Roblox believes the platform's child safety measures, including age verification checks, do not go far enough. In an exclusive interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, the developer, who prefers to remain unnamed, expressed that parents should monitor their children on Roblox 24/7, and if that's not possible then they shouldn't be playing Roblox. Roblox, which is particularly popular among eight to 12-year-olds in the UK, stated that safety is a top priority, featuring advanced safeguards and filters designed to block harmful content and interactions.
In 2024, Roblox saw over 80 million global players daily, with nearly 40% under the age of 13. The developer, referred to as 'Sam', contacted the BBC after hearing Roblox's chief safety officer, Matt Kaufman, discuss safety measures during a breakfast show. Kaufman emphasized numerous checks, including mandatory age verification procedures launched in January 2026 for UK users.
Sam, who works as a contracted developer for Roblox and as a volunteer for a non-profit focusing on online safety, claimed that the actual safety conditions on the platform starkly differ from Kaufman's portrayal. He warned that the platform should take more serious action against exposure to harmful or violent content. He has witnessed players being led into dangerous situations by strangers and described instances of games that trivialized real-world tragedies.
Parents unfamiliar with Roblox are advised by Sam to maintain constant oversight when their children are using the platform. The developer expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of current reporting systems and suggested many reports of inappropriate content go unaddressed. Roblox has asserted its commitment to protecting its users and continues to adapt its safety protocols amidst ongoing scrutiny from critics who argue for stronger measures to safeguard children against exploitation and harmful content.
In 2024, Roblox saw over 80 million global players daily, with nearly 40% under the age of 13. The developer, referred to as 'Sam', contacted the BBC after hearing Roblox's chief safety officer, Matt Kaufman, discuss safety measures during a breakfast show. Kaufman emphasized numerous checks, including mandatory age verification procedures launched in January 2026 for UK users.
Sam, who works as a contracted developer for Roblox and as a volunteer for a non-profit focusing on online safety, claimed that the actual safety conditions on the platform starkly differ from Kaufman's portrayal. He warned that the platform should take more serious action against exposure to harmful or violent content. He has witnessed players being led into dangerous situations by strangers and described instances of games that trivialized real-world tragedies.
Parents unfamiliar with Roblox are advised by Sam to maintain constant oversight when their children are using the platform. The developer expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of current reporting systems and suggested many reports of inappropriate content go unaddressed. Roblox has asserted its commitment to protecting its users and continues to adapt its safety protocols amidst ongoing scrutiny from critics who argue for stronger measures to safeguard children against exploitation and harmful content.
