March 26, 2026 An independent developer has raised concerns that Roblox’s safety systems do not adequately protect its large base of young users, despite recent age verification measures. The criticism comes as the platform reports more than 80 million daily players globally, with roughly 40 per cent under the age of 13.
In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, the developer said parents should monitor children “24/7” when using Roblox, arguing that current safeguards do not reflect real conditions on the platform. Roblox said in response that safety is a priority and that it uses “advanced safeguards and filters designed to prevent harmful content and communications.”
Roblox introduced mandatory age verification checks in the UK in January 2026 and has expanded similar controls globally. These systems aim to limit interactions by default to users of similar age and flag behaviour that does not match verified profiles. The company said it takes action against rule violations and can prompt users to re-verify their age if inconsistencies are detected.
However, the developer, who creates content on the platform and volunteers in online safety monitoring, described gaps between policy and enforcement. They cited instances of users being directed off-platform for private conversations, as well as exposure to violent or inappropriate user-generated games. Reports submitted through moderation channels, they said, are not always acted on.
Roblox operates as an open platform where users can create and monetise games, which introduces scale and moderation challenges. Creators assign content labels and descriptions, but critics argue enforcement mechanisms struggle to keep pace with the volume of new content and interactions, particularly given the platform’s younger audience.
The concerns are part of a pattern of scrutiny. Roblox chief executive Dave Baszucki previously advised parents to rely on their own judgement, stating that those uncomfortable with the platform should not allow their children to use it. The company has since implemented additional safeguards, including restrictions on communication between children and adults.
Regulators are also responding. Several countries, including Russia and Turkey, have banned Roblox, while Indonesia is set to prohibit access for users under 16. In the UK, the government is consulting on wider online safety measures such as social media restrictions, time limits and usage curfews, though it has not confirmed whether gaming platforms like Roblox would fall within scope.
