Roblox Enhances Child Safety with ‘Kids’ and ‘Select’ Accounts for Age-Appropriate Gaming and Chat
In a significant move to bolster child safety, Roblox has announced the introduction of two new account types—’Roblox Kids’ and ‘Roblox Select’—designed to provide age-appropriate access to games and chat features for younger users. This initiative builds upon the mandatory age verification measures implemented in January, aiming to create a safer and more tailored gaming environment for children and teens.
Age-Based Account Classifications:
– Roblox Kids Accounts (Ages 5-9): Children within this age bracket will be assigned ‘Roblox Kids’ accounts, granting them access to games rated as ‘Minimal’ or ‘Mild.’ These ratings encompass content with occasional mild violence, mild crude humor, and infrequent mild fear elements. To further safeguard young users, chat functionalities will be disabled by default. Communication is restricted to specific individuals approved by parents, ensuring controlled interactions.
– Roblox Select Accounts (Ages 9-15): Users aged nine to fifteen will receive ‘Roblox Select’ accounts, allowing access to games rated up to ‘Moderate.’ This category includes content with more frequent or intense mild violence and crude humor. Chat features are enabled but are limited to interactions with users within the same age group, promoting age-appropriate communication.
– Standard Roblox Accounts (Ages 16 and Up): Individuals aged sixteen and older will continue to use standard Roblox accounts. However, access to ‘Restricted Content’—which includes strong violence, romantic themes, and strong language—is reserved exclusively for users aged eighteen and above.
Implementation Timeline:
The global rollout of these new account types is scheduled to commence at the beginning of June. Roblox has outlined a transition period during which existing users will be prompted to complete the age verification process. Users who do not complete this verification will be limited to a curated selection of games appropriate for younger audiences.
Parental Controls and Game Access:
Recognizing the importance of parental involvement, Roblox has introduced features that allow parents to approve specific games for their children that may not be available under the default account restrictions. For instance, if a younger sibling wishes to play a game with an older sibling that isn’t accessible through their ‘Roblox Kids’ account, parents can grant permission to enable access to that particular game.
Three-Step Screening Criteria for Games:
To ensure that games are suitable for younger audiences, Roblox has implemented a comprehensive three-step screening process:
1. Developer Verification: Developers must meet specific eligibility requirements, including ID verification for those under sixteen, maintaining a connection to a linked parent account, and enabling two-step verification. Additionally, developers are required to have an active Roblox Plus subscription, which offers exclusive benefits and discounts.
2. Real-Time Evaluation: Roblox conducts real-time evaluations of games by allowing users aged sixteen and older to play and provide feedback. This process helps assess the gaming experience before making it available to younger users.
3. Content Maturity Labeling: Games must meet specific gameplay criteria and carry appropriate content maturity labels to be accessible to younger users.
Context and Industry Trends:
Roblox’s introduction of ‘Kids’ and ‘Select’ accounts aligns with a broader industry trend toward enhancing child safety in digital environments. In recent years, the platform has faced scrutiny and legal challenges concerning child safety. For example, in November 2024, Roblox implemented measures to prevent users under thirteen from messaging others outside of games, aiming to protect young users from potential online predators. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2024/11/18/roblox-no-longer-allows-users-under-13-to-message-others-outside-of-games/?utm_source=openai))
Similarly, other tech companies have taken steps to safeguard younger users. In August 2024, Meta allowed preteens to explore Horizon Worlds with parental permission, implementing additional safety measures to ensure a secure experience. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2024/08/29/meta-now-allows-preteens-to-explore-horizon-worlds/?utm_source=openai)) In February 2025, Apple introduced new child safety initiatives, including an age-checking system for apps, to help parents and developers create safer experiences for kids and teens using Apple devices. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/27/apple-introduces-new-child-safety-initiatives-including-an-age-checking-system-for-apps/?utm_source=openai))
These initiatives reflect a growing commitment within the tech industry to prioritize the safety and well-being of younger users by providing age-appropriate content and robust parental controls.
