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Behind the Blocks: How Roblox Fails Kids’ Safety
by Thuy-Nhi
Since its launch in 2006, Roblox has grown into one of the most popular online gaming platforms in the world. Created by Erik Cassel and current CEO David Baszucki, the platform surged in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching more than 191 million monthly active users. Yet, behind its success lies a troubling reality: Roblox has repeatedly faced child safety controversies, raising concerns about how well the company protects its youngest players.
For more than a decade, Roblox has been linked to incidents of child grooming and exploitation. In the United States alone, over 30 individuals have been arrested for abducting or abusing minors they first contacted on the platform. One high-profile case involved Daniel Aravena Oliva, a Chilean man who groomed a 13-year-old girl through Roblox before traveling to the U.S. to meet her, according to the Los Angeles Times.
These incidents have alarmed parents and drawn the attention of lawmakers and prosecutors, who argue that Roblox’s promises of protection have not been matched by its actions.
On August 14, 2025, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill filed a lawsuit against Roblox, accusing the company of fostering an unsafe environment where predators “thrive, unite, hunt, and victimize kids.” The lawsuit alleges that Roblox not only failed to remove inappropriate content but also allowed the spread of sexually explicit “condo games” where players engage in simulated sexual activity. Murrill’s office further claims that Roblox prioritizes user growth and profit over safety, enabling predators to exploit gaps in moderation. These concerns echo long-standing criticism from parents, advocacy groups, and even well-known Roblox creators who have publicly questioned CEO David Baszucki’s commitment to protecting children.
Roblox has denied the allegations, calling them “false and misleading.” In a statement released on August 15, the company emphasized its investments in safety, pointing to more than 40 new features such as parental controls, content filters, and age-verification systems. The platform now requires government ID or selfie verification to access mature content, limiting features like private virtual bedrooms or bathrooms to users verified as 17 and older. Roblox argues that these measures make it an industry leader in online safety, though critics remain unconvinced.
The central question remains: has Roblox done enough? Despite new tools and restrictions, reports of grooming and explicit content continue to surface, leaving parents and regulators doubtful. Some praise Roblox for its recent reforms, while others see the efforts as too little, too late. For now, Attorney General Liz Murrill has not commented on the company’s new policies.
As lawsuits and scrutiny mount, Roblox faces a defining challenge—whether it can truly provide a safe space for children, or if its reputation will continue to crumble under the weight of repeated failures.
🎬 Film Buzz
Silenced (Korean Movie)
Review by Thuy-Nhi
When it comes to films that leave a lasting emotional impact, few compare to Silenced (also known as The Crucible), a 2011 South Korean movie directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk. Based on real-life events at a school for deaf children, this movie is more than just a cinematic experience, it’s a wake-up call.
The story is set in a boarding school for deaf children, where students seek connection with others while striving to earn their education. Kang In-ho is a newly appointed art teacher, discovered the horrific abuse that staff members caused on disabled students. What makes this film powerful isn’t just its subject matter, but the unflinching way it exposes unfairnesses. The movie is raw and heart-wrenching to watch, particularly from the child actors, who carry much of the story’s emotional weight. Gong Yoo, as In-ho, delivers a moving portrayal of a man torn between fear and doing what is right.
From a cinematic perspective, Silenced doesn’t rely on flashy visuals or over-the-top drama. Instead, it stays grounded in realism, which makes the horror even more unsettling. Muted colors, deliberate pacing, and a haunting score heighten the sense of helplessness and urgency. This scene offers one of the clearest resemblances of foreshadowing, hinting at the conflict that is about to unfold.
What sets this movie apart from other dramas is its real-world impact. After the movie was released, the film impacted the national outrage in South Korea, leading to spreading awareness to protect children from abuse. This makes Silenced not just a movie, but it's a film about social change.
Overall, Silenced is highly suggested. It’s not an easy film to watch through, but it’s a communication that is too important to ignore. This is cinema with a purpose, and challenges viewers to reflect on the responsibility society holds in protecting its most vulnerable.
Book Review: Michael Vey Series
by Joel Cortez
October 3rd 2025
If you’re into action-packed adventures with a mix of sci-fi and heart, the Michael Vey series by Richard Paul Evans is worth checking out. Evans, who usually writes inspirational novels, surprised everyone by creating a ten-book young adult series that starts with The Prisoner of Cell 25 and ends with The Colony. And trust me—the finale does not disappoint.
The story centers on Michael Vey, a regular teenager who just happens to have the power to generate and control electricity. He soon discovers that other teens like him exist, and together they form the Electroclan. Their mission? Take down the Elgen Corporation, a worldwide organization run by the evil (and over-the-top) Dr. C.J. Hatch. Along the way, the group faces kidnappings, betrayals, and battles that grow bigger and bigger until the fight becomes global.
What makes the series stand out isn’t just the crazy powers or nonstop action—it’s the emotional side of things. Michael deals with Tourette’s syndrome, struggles with what it means to be a leader, and always keeps his loyalty to his mom front and center. Evans writes in a way that’s fast and easy to read, so the books stay exciting without feeling overwhelming.
Sure, some parts of the series lean on classic tropes: the “chosen hero,” the squad of powered-up friends, and a villain who sometimes feels more cartoonish than scary. But honestly, those things also make the story clear, fun, and super engaging. By the time you get to the final book, you’ve met tons of new allies, discovered wild new powers, and traveled across the world—all leading to an ending that feels huge and satisfying.
At the end of the day, the Michael Vey series doesn’t try to completely reinvent sci-fi. Instead, it wins readers over with fast-paced action, friendships you actually care about, and the theme of having courage even when the odds are stacked against you. If you’re looking for a series that’s exciting, emotional, and seriously hard to put down, Michael Vey is definitely worth adding to your list.