Roblox CEO Urges Parents: “Trust Your Instincts” on Child Safety
Parents concerned about their children’s safety on Roblox should trust their instincts and consider restricting access if they’re uncomfortable, according to Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki.
In an exclusive interview with BBC News, Baszucki acknowledged parental concerns over the hugely popular gaming platform, widely used by UK children aged 8-12. Roblox, which averages over 80 million daily players globally, has faced repeated scrutiny over alleged exposure of children to inappropriate content, bullying, and grooming.
Baszucki emphasised that Roblox takes safety seriously, stating, “Even one bad incident is one too many.” He highlighted robust safety measures, including AI-powered moderation, filters, and restrictions like banning under-13s from direct messaging.
However, Baszucki’s advice to concerned parents was clear:
“My first message would be, if you’re not comfortable, don’t let your kids be on Roblox,” he said. “That might sound counter-intuitive, but I always trust parents to make their own decisions.”
Roblox, valued at around £31bn, hosts approximately 40 million user-generated games. Despite enhanced safety tools, a BBC investigation revealed vulnerabilities, including bypassing restrictions using rephrased messaging.
Baszucki insists Roblox remains ahead of legal requirements and committed to further improving safety, with strict moderation and enforcement actions including cooperation with law enforcement when necessary.
With Roblox aiming to eventually attract 10% of global gamers, Baszucki describes the platform as “the future of communication,” highlighting ongoing efforts to balance social opportunities for young people with stringent safety protections.
