Green Pages

​

Behind the Blocks: How Roblox Fails Kids’ Safety

​

    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.