4 Ways Roblox Endangers Your Kid: A Cop's Safety Guide for Parents

As a police officer who has spent over a decade working with youth and families, and as a grandfather of three Roblox-obsessed grandkids, I have a front-row seat to one of the most popular and controversial games in the world: Roblox.

Roblox is a massive online platform that allows users to create and play games made by other users. At first glance, it’s creative, colorful, and packed with educational potential. But just under the surface, especially when left unmonitored, there are risks that every parent needs to understand.

‍In my professional experience, Roblox has been at the center of far too many 911 calls, ranging from financial fraud to online exploitation. It’s a game that can bring joy, education, and creativity to kids, but also one that can open doors to predators, addiction, and even violence in the home.

Let me break it down from both sides.

The good side of Roblox: Educational value and creativity

To be fair, Roblox isn’t all bad. It actually has some fantastic learning elements, when used properly.

Within the Roblox universe are countless “experiences” (mini-games and virtual environments) that can teach kids real-world skills. Some games focus on budgeting, time management, teamwork, math, and even entrepreneurship. It encourages creativity, allowing kids to design their own games, build virtual worlds, and develop basic coding skills.

Used responsibly, Roblox can be an incredible outlet for learning and imagination. I’ve seen my grandkids collaborate with each other to build cities, solve puzzles, and manage virtual businesses. That’s a win.

Related: 7 Smart Tips for Safe Video Game Use—and the Option to Opt-Out!

The dark side of Roblox: Risks you shouldn’t ignore

Unfortunately, my experience as a law enforcement officer often paints a darker picture. Here are the most common issues I’ve encountered when Roblox goes unchecked:

1. Roblox chat feature is a predator’s playground

Roblox has a built-in chat system that allows users to message one another, whether or not they’re real-life friends. While Roblox has filters in place to catch offensive language, those filters don’t block manipulation, grooming, or subtle coercion.

I’ve responded to multiple calls involving kids, some as young as eight, who were befriended on Roblox and then lured to other apps like:

• Kik 
• WhatsApp
• CapCut
• Tango 
• Snapchat 

Once on those less-moderated platforms, predators begin asking for inappropriate pictures, videos, or money.

I’ve personally arrested predators in their 30s and older who had multiple Roblox accounts for the sole purpose of finding and grooming children. It’s terrifying how effective this tactic is.

And the worst part? Most parents have no idea the chat feature even exists, or that it can be disabled in the parental controls.

Related: 

• Pedophiles Hunt Kids in Popular Gaming Apps: Roblox, Minecraft, & Fortnite
• Think Your Child is Safe? What You Need to Know About the New Sex Trafficking

2. Robux purchase: How in-game spending leads to real-world problems

Roblox uses its own currency called Robux. Players can earn Robux slowly through gameplay, but many kids get impatient. That’s when they start buying them with real money, or stealing credit card information to do it.

I’ve been to homes where thousands of dollars were spent on Robux before the parents even knew what was happening. One dad told me his 10-year-old memorized his debit card and bought add-ons late at night while he slept.

If you think it can’t happen to your family, think again. This is a more common problem than you’d believe.

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3. Roblox addiction: Why this game hooks kids and triggers meltdowns

This is not your average video game. Roblox has an endless stream of content, rewards, and social interaction that hooks kids for hours on end. It’s a dopamine factory, and once your child is in, it’s hard for them to unplug.

This becomes a huge problem when parents try to limit or stop screen time. I’ve taken 911 calls from parents dealing with full-blown meltdowns—Kids who were: 

• Screaming
• Breaking things
• Threatening to hurt themselves or others

Just because they were told it was time to log off Roblox or Fortnite.

It’s easy to dismiss this as “bad behavior,” but this is addiction. If an adult reacted that way to being cut off from a substance or activity, we’d call it a crisis. It’s no different here.

4. Roblox is a gateway platform

Roblox often serves as an entry point into a much larger online world. It’s how many kids get introduced to social media, online relationships, influencer culture, and even inappropriate content.

In a way, it’s like giving your child a learner’s permit to the internet superhighway, but unlike the DMV, Roblox doesn’t require proof of responsibility or adult supervision before handing over the keys.

Related: Experts Say to Delay Social Media: Why 16 is Better Than 13

Roblox safety tips for parents: How to protect your child while they play

Roblox isn’t necessarily the villain, but leaving your child on it unsupervised might be. If your child is playing Roblox, here are some steps you can take today:

• Turn off the chat. This setting is in your child’s Roblox account under privacy or parental controls. It’s a must.
• Set a time limit. Don’t let your child live in the game. Use parental controls on devices to limit screen time.
• Watch them play. Sit nearby while they’re gaming. Who are they talking to? What are they doing in the game? You can learn a lot just by being in the room.
• Talk often. Discuss internet safety, the value of privacy, and how to handle suspicious behavior online.
• Review transactions. Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for unexpected charges.

Why Roblox needs a lifeguard: A cop’s closing advice to parents

Roblox isn’t evil, but it is dangerous if left unchecked. Like a swimming pool, it can provide hours of fun, growth, and adventure, but only if there’s a lifeguard present.

As a grandpa, I get why kids love it. As a cop, I know how it can go sideways. So let’s not be afraid of it, let’s be smarter about it.

‍

Happy parenting,

Officer David Gomez