Roblox Adds New Safety Accounts for Kids & Teens

Roblox has globally introduced its new Kids and Select account types, previously tested in select regions. The Kids account is tailored for users aged five to eight, granting access only to games with 'minimal' or 'mild' maturity ratings and disabling chat by default. For users aged nine to 15, Select accounts permit gameplay in games rated up to 'moderate,' which may include some violence or crude humor, with chat functionalities varying by age and location.

These account types automatically assign users based on age verification, transitioning them as they mature. Standard accounts become available upon turning 16. This development occurs while Roblox navigates significant legal challenges, facing over 160 lawsuits related to alleged inadequate child safety practices and instances of sexual exploitation. The company recently settled investigations with Alabama and West Virginia for $23 million concerning child safety handling.

Roblox is expanding its parental control features, offering game blocking and chat management for parents of teens up to 16. Parents can also approve specific games outside a child's default settings. These enhancements are being implemented against a backdrop of ongoing legal scrutiny and accusations from child safety organizations regarding deceptive practices.