Tribune News Network
Doha
Roblox, a popular video game platform, has captivated millions of children worldwide. But it’s more than just an online game; it’s a full virtual world where players can explore, create, and socialize.
Users design their own characters, build games, and interact with others, blending creativity, exploration, and communication in a single platform. However, as Roblox’s global popularity continues to rise, parents and educators are becoming increasingly concerned about its impact on children.
“Roblox poses major risks to children,” says Sobia Rahman, Counselor/Coordinator of Health and Wellness at Northwestern University in Qatar, a Qatar Foundation (QF) partner university. “These risks include exposure to inappropriate content, and the danger of cyberbullying.”
She explains that predators often misuse the platform’s communication tools to approach and exploit minors, saying: “Roblox has faced criticism for inadequate age verification and content moderation, which compromise children’s safety.
“These issues make it easier for cyber predators to target young users. With 79.5 million daily active users, the platform’s popularity among children intensifies these risks, making it more vulnerable to such dangers over other platforms.”
Does this mean parents should ban Roblox? Rahman suggests that parents don’t necessarily need to do this, but should remain vigilant, as the game’s safety measures are insufficient without regular parental supervision and intervention.
“The platform’s parental controls can be helpful, although they are limited,” she says. “Experts recommend stricter supervision that includes monitoring interactions, disabling chat functions, regularly reviewing gameplay activity, and having conversations with their children about online safety. They can also use third-party tools to monitor their children’s activity and encourage open dialogue about any troubling interactions they may encounter.”
Roblox’s high engagement level makes it addictive, driven by its design that encourages constant exploration, social interaction, and endless options for building worlds and playing together.
A study conducted by the Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), a QF member, in 2021-2022 showed that technology overuse among adolescents in Qatar is a major concern for families, leading to negative consequences such as isolation, poor school performance, health challenges, and social disintegration. These challenges can not only cause family instability but also further complications in children’s lives in the long run.
Speaking about Roblox, Dr Khalid Al-Naama, Family Policy Director, DIFI, said: “Video games shouldn’t be the main influence on children; families should play a stronger role in the emotional and mental growth on young people.
“Parental involvement in playtime not only reinforces family bonds, but also helps children learn real-world skills in a safe, age-appropriate way. Replacing extreme screen time with hands-on activities can encourage healthier social skills and real-life networks.”
Türkiye recently banned the game, citing safety concerns, and in Australia regulators are focusing on improving the safety of the platform through various initiatives.
“There is a strong argument for government intervention, particularly to enforce stricter safety regulations on platforms like Roblox,” said Rahman. “Without adequate regulatory oversight, companies may prioritize profit over safety. Government action could include implementing mandatory age verification systems, requiring more transparent content moderation, and imposing penalties for companies that fail to protect their young users.”
The DIFI study emphasized the importance of parents developing strategies to mitigate the negative effects of excessive technology use among adolescents. These include controlling screen time, building trust, discussing the negative impacts of excessive technology, promoting open family communication, and offering alternative entertainment.
“Don’t let games completely control your child’s world,” advises Dr. Al-Naama. “With continued engagement, you can help them develop healthy social skills and protect them from online dangers. With some guidance, you can shift their focus to fun, safe, and educational games, making a positive impact on their personality.”
