Should I let my 7 year old play Roblox?
As a parent, it’s natural to have concerns about the safety and suitability of online platforms like Roblox for your child, and the answer to whether you should let your 7-year-old play Roblox is not a straightforward one, as it depends on various factors, including the child’s maturity level and your ability to monitor and control their activity. Ultimately, while Roblox can be a fun and creative outlet for kids, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks, such as inappropriate content, online predators, and cyberbullying, and to take steps to mitigate them.
Introduction to Roblox
Roblox is a popular online gaming platform that allows users to create and play a wide variety of games, from first-person shooters to role-playing games, and it has become a favorite among kids and teens. With its vast community of users and endless array of games, Roblox can be a great way for kids to express their creativity, develop their problem-solving skills, and socialize with others. However, as with any online platform, there are potential risks and concerns that parents should be aware of.
Safety Concerns
One of the primary concerns for parents is the potential for inappropriate content, including violent or mature themes, profanity, and nudity. While Roblox has measures in place to filter out such content, including a chat filter and user reporting system, it’s not foolproof, and kids may still be exposed to inappropriate material. Additionally, online predators and cyberbullies can also be a threat, and parents should be vigilant in monitoring their child’s activity and ensuring they are not engaging with strangers or being harassed by other users.
Parental Controls
To help mitigate these risks, Roblox offers a range of parental controls that allow parents to restrict their child’s access to certain features and games. These include the ability to limit chat functionality, restrict game access, and set a parental PIN to prevent kids from changing settings. Parents can also use third-party software to block Roblox or limit screen time.
FAQs
Q1: What is the recommended age for playing Roblox?
The recommended age for playing Roblox is 13 and up, according to Common Sense Media, due to the potential for inappropriate content and online interactions.
Q2: Is Roblox safe for kids?
While Roblox can be a safe and fun outlet for kids, it’s not without risks, and parents should be aware of the potential for inappropriate content, online predators, and cyberbullying.
Q3: How can I restrict my child’s access to Roblox?
Parents can restrict their child’s access to Roblox by using parental controls, such as limiting chat functionality, restricting game access, and setting a parental PIN.
Q4: What are the potential risks of playing Roblox?
The potential risks of playing Roblox include exposure to inappropriate content, online predators, and cyberbullying, as well as the potential for addiction and social isolation.
Q5: Can I see what my child is doing on Roblox?
Yes, parents can monitor their child’s activity on Roblox by checking their private message history, friends and followers, and virtual item purchase and trade history.
Q6: How long should kids play Roblox?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids between the ages of 6-16 should not be allowed to use their screen for longer than two hours for entertainment daily.
Q7: Is Roblox LGBTQ friendly?
Roblox is not homophobic, but it is strongly against any kind of sexual content, and users should not create games that include physical touching, kissing, hugging, etc.
Q8: Can 7-year-olds play Fortnite?
The Entertainment Software Ratings Board rates Fortnite “T” for teen, which means ages 13 and up, due to its action violence and open chat.
Q9: Is Minecraft safe for 7-year-olds?
Because of its complexity, potential for mild violence, and online community, Minecraft is recommended for kids age 8 and up.
Q10: What is the most popular age for Roblox?
Roblox is dominated by young users, with 67% of users under the age of 16, and only 14% of users over 25 years old.
Q11: Are there child predators on Roblox?
Unfortunately, yes, child predators can be found on Roblox, and parents should be vigilant in monitoring their child’s activity and ensuring they are not engaging with strangers.
Q12: What Roblox games should kids not play?
Games like Shedletsky’s Dirty Place and Condo Games are not suitable for kids due to their explicit content and should be avoided.
Q13: Is Roblox banning kids under 13?
Yes, Roblox will place users under 13 on a restricted chat system automatically, and parents should be aware of this and monitor their child’s activity accordingly.
Q14: How can I block Roblox for kids?
Parents can block Roblox for kids by using third-party software, such as BlockSite, or by restricting access to the app on their child’s device.
Q15: What are the new rules for Roblox 2023?
Starting on January 17th, 2023, Roblox experiences without guidelines will no longer be recommended to users under the age of nine, and the age recommendations of experiences will also begin to inform Search & Discovery.