Roblox introduces new age-specific accounts and enhanced parental controls aimed at creating age-appropriate experiences for its users
Roblox is rolling out two age-specific accounts for younger users: Roblox Kids for ages five to eight, and Roblox Select for ages nine to 15. Enhanced parental controls will accompany these features.
The company announced that these accounts, debuting in June, aim to better tailor content access, communication preferences, and parental oversight to the user's age. This initiative integrates age-verifications, predefined account settings, content classifications, and continuous moderation into a cohesive system for young users, while ensuring their preferred games remain largely accessible.
Roblox is implementing a continuous selection process to determine which games are suitable for users under 16. The platform stated all content undergoes their current moderation systems, which include AI scanning of assets, user report evaluations, and real-time content monitoring to enforce policies.
For content available to those under 16, Roblox will utilize a dynamic selection process involving developer verification, comprehensive evaluation and rating, and further restrictions on content oriented towards older audiences.
Users over 16 who have completed age-verification will not experience changes to their Roblox interactions. Younger accounts will automatically upgrade as users age, while those without age-verification will be assigned to the correct age-based account.
The newly introduced parental controls allow guardians to better manage content ratings, communication settings, screen time, and spending limits. Parents will have access to detailed information about the games their children play and their online interactions.
Additional features for parents include:
- Enhanced game blocking capabilities allowing specific game blocking through age 15.
- Advanced management of direct chat settings up to age 15.
- Granular game approval enabling parents to give access to games not typically available under the child's standard account settings.
These structures provide parents with refined control over their child's gaming interactions and social connections. Roblox emphasized that these updates support their continuous efforts to create age-appropriate experiences, enforce safety measures for younger users, and improve parental monitoring tools.
Roblox is dedicated to promoting a healthy global platform for all ages by investing in safety measures designed to protect and empower user creativity. They prioritize their community's well-being through comprehensive content guidelines and safety features.
Recently, Roblox contested allegations from a Los Angeles lawsuit claiming it failed to safeguard children from harmful behaviors. This defense follows a similar demand for action from the Australian government on child safety issues within Roblox.
In another development, Roblox announced plans for a new subscription service, Roblox Plus, available on a monthly basis.