Roblox Bans Preteens from Social Hangouts Amid Child Safety Concerns

Roblox, one of the most popular online gaming platforms for kids, is about to make some big changes aimed at protecting its youngest users. Starting November 18, kids under 13 will no longer be able to access certain "social hangout" experiences, which are designed mainly for chatting with other players through text or voice. These restrictions are part of a larger move by Roblox to address concerns about child safety on the platform.


Roblox is a unique virtual playground where users can create games and experiences for others to explore. It's incredibly popular with younger audiences, but recent reports have raised alarms about its ability to protect kids from potential dangers, including a recent Bloomberg report pointing to issues like insufficient safeguards against inappropriate interactions. In response, Roblox is introducing new policies to limit what preteens can access and interact with on the platform.

In addition to blocking social hangouts, another type of experience that will be restricted is "free-form 2D user creation," where players can draw or create freely on virtual chalkboards or whiteboards. These restrictions are designed to prevent potentially harmful interactions, as these areas have fewer content filters and moderation.

On December 3, Roblox will also enforce new age-based access rules. Players under 13 will no longer be able to search for, play, or even see experiences that haven't been rated for younger audiences. Going forward, game creators who want to reach a younger audience will have to fill out a questionnaire and ensure their games meet Roblox's "All Ages" or "9+" rating requirements. These updates are set to be fully implemented next year.

Juliet Chaitin-Lefcourt, a Roblox spokesperson, emphasized the company's commitment to safety, saying they've already rolled out over 30 updates this year alone and are committed to keeping the platform secure for its young community. According to Chaitin-Lefcourt, Roblox's efforts are ongoing, and they plan to continue innovating in safety.

These changes reflect a growing effort by Roblox to balance the fun of online interaction with stronger safeguards for children. With the new rules in place, preteens will still have access to countless safe, age-appropriate experiences—but the social aspects will now have more controlled boundaries aimed at protecting young users from potential risks.

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