.png){kind=logo}
A recent statement of Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki has sparked controversy and outrage among parents. The CEO commented during a BBC interview, “If you’re not comfortable, don’t let your kids be on Roblox.” It quickly drew mixed reactions from parents; some believe it shifts responsibility onto them rather than addressing deeper issues of child safety on the platform.
Roblox, a popular gaming and social networking site, has been criticized for supposedly exposing kids to explicit content. In its defense of the company's security protocols, Baszucki said Roblox keeps a close eye on bullying, harassment, and hurtful behavior. He added that the company proactively works with law enforcement agencies when needed.
"Even a single bad event is too many," Baszucki said, emphasizing the company initiatives for content moderation using AI-driven filters.
Despite these guarantees, parents still report instances of grooming, addiction, and exposure to adult content. Some have complained about their children's excessive screen time, while others say Roblox's safety filters are not enough to keep their children from being harmed.
Some parents have complained about the effect of the platform on their children. One parent explained how her child became hooked on Roblox because of inadequate parental control at home.
"Roblox is destroying my son. We are both working parents, and I feel guilty for not spending enough time with him," the parent said to the BBC.
Another parent claimed that a user tried to groom her nine-year-old daughter, even after Roblox's filtering systems.
"She was crying, feeling guilty. I told her it wasn't her fault. Roblox presents itself as safe, but its filters are failing," the parent claimed.
Roblox has countered by reaffirming its dedication to protecting children. Roblox asserts it has added features like screen time limits and AI-powered content monitoring. However, with constant reports of security breaches, the argument over the effectiveness of the platform in safeguarding minors is far from settled.
