Roblox Announces Comprehensive Safety Framework with Age-Based Accounts for Younger Users
In a significant move to enhance online safety and user experience, Roblox has unveiled a series of new features specifically designed for users under the age of 16. The company is introducing age-based accounts, updated content access rules, and expanded parental controls, all aimed at creating a more secure and age-appropriate environment for younger players. These updates are set to roll out starting in early June, marking a major step in Roblox's ongoing efforts to prioritize safety for its vast user base.
New Account Types: Roblox Kids and Roblox Select
Roblox will launch two new account types: Roblox Kids for ages 5 to 8 and Roblox Select for ages 9 to 15. These accounts will align content, communication settings, and controls with a user's age, ensuring that younger players have access to suitable games and features. The company emphasized that this update combines age-checks, content ratings, moderation systems, and parental tools into what it describes as "a unified framework for younger users." Importantly, users aged 16 and above will not see any changes to their accounts, maintaining the standard experience for older players.
Detailed Changes for Younger Users
For users aged 5 to 8, Roblox Kids accounts will be assigned through age-check technology or parent verification. These accounts will only allow access to games rated "Minimal" or "Mild" that pass an additional selection process. Communication features will be disabled by default, and the app interface will include a distinct background to clearly indicate the account type, helping parents and children identify the safer environment.
For users aged 9 to 15, Roblox Select accounts will permit access to games rated up to "Moderate." Communication settings for this group will remain unchanged, but the app will feature a different visual design to reflect the account category. Roblox has stated that users will automatically transition between account types as they grow older, moving to Roblox Select at age 9 and to standard accounts at 16. Users who have not completed age verification will face stricter limits, including restricted content access and no communication features, ensuring that unverified accounts maintain a high level of safety.
Enhanced Content Moderation and Parental Controls
Roblox is implementing a continuous evaluation process for games available to users under 16. In addition to existing moderation systems such as AI scanning and user reports, the company will apply further checks, including developer verification, extended content review, and stricter exclusions. "By default, Roblox Kids and Roblox Select accounts will not include games that feature sensitive issues, social hangouts, or free-form drawing games," the company noted, highlighting its commitment to filtering out potentially inappropriate content.
Parental controls are also being significantly expanded. Parents will now have the ability to block specific games and manage chat settings for children up to age 15. Additionally, parents will be able to approve access to certain otherwise restricted games, giving them more direct control over their children's gaming experiences. This expansion aims to provide parents with greater visibility and oversight, aligning with Roblox's goal of offering "safety-by-default protections for younger users."
Future Plans and Global Standards
Looking ahead, Roblox plans to adopt the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) framework later this year. This move will integrate region-specific ratings such as ESRB and PEGI into its system, further enhancing the accuracy and relevance of content classifications across different markets. The company stated that these updates are part of a broader effort to deliver age-appropriate experiences and empower parents with more tools to safeguard their children online.
Overall, Roblox's new safety measures represent a proactive approach to addressing concerns about online safety for younger users. By combining technological innovations with user-friendly controls, the company aims to foster a safer gaming ecosystem while maintaining the engaging experiences that have made Roblox popular worldwide.
