Every time this comes up on HN I make a point of commenting, just so that at least one more person is aware.
My daughter was caught up in one of the Roblox-oriented paedo rings when she was 12. Fortunately the outcome wasn't that bad (relatively), because we picked up the change in behaviour.
Roblox knows that it has a problem, and is unable or disinterested in addressing it. While there are some parental controls (disabling chat etc) it is such a toxic place masquerading as a game. The currency system, rarity of items, and how particular games are made popular drive the kind of behaviour that make children easy pickings.
I will get comments on this from people that monitor their kids' access, or watch them play every moment of the game, or set rules and controls. If you are 100% comfortable with that then that is fine.
For everyone else.... Where there is a smidgen of doubt, or you have seen stuff that looks a bit odd, or if you are fed up with being nagged for robux, or can't watch your child every moment in the game. Just stop your children from playing Roblox. It is simply not worth the risk.
Thank you - I decided last year to block Roblox for my 10 year old son. He was becoming addicted, lying about accessing and being more secretive. I appreciate the social gaming aspect but the parental controls are just woeful - I should be able to confirm his friends, and monitor in game chats, for example.
After reading this article and your experience, it will be staying banned - they games are poor quality too, he can stick with the switch and apple arcade.
My daughter was caught up in one of the Roblox-oriented paedo rings when she was 12. Fortunately the outcome wasn't that bad (relatively), because we picked up the change in behaviour.
Roblox knows that it has a problem, and is unable or disinterested in addressing it. While there are some parental controls (disabling chat etc) it is such a toxic place masquerading as a game. The currency system, rarity of items, and how particular games are made popular drive the kind of behaviour that make children easy pickings.
I will get comments on this from people that monitor their kids' access, or watch them play every moment of the game, or set rules and controls. If you are 100% comfortable with that then that is fine.
For everyone else.... Where there is a smidgen of doubt, or you have seen stuff that looks a bit odd, or if you are fed up with being nagged for robux, or can't watch your child every moment in the game. Just stop your children from playing Roblox. It is simply not worth the risk.
My previous comment: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=32015542