Roblox CEO's safety advice for children sparks debate

Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki recently shared advice on online safety that sparked a heated discussion among parents. In an interview with the BBC, he suggested, "If you're not comfortable, don't let your kids be on Roblox." This comment led to mixed reactions, with some parents asserting that they need to take more responsibility for their children's online activities. Many parents contacted the BBC, sharing their experiences with Roblox. Some, like Amir from Leeds, expressed concerns about their children becoming "addicted" to the platform. Amir's 15-year-old son reportedly spends up to 14 hours a day on Roblox. Amir feels guilty about not being able to spend quality time with his son and hopes to manage his gaming time better. Others, like Sally from northern Scotland, shared darker stories. Sally's nine-year-old daughter was allegedly groomed by an online user who tried to coerce her into inappropriate behavior. Despite reporting the incident to Roblox, Sally received no response. She believes that platforms like Roblox should be held responsible for user safety, rather than simply advising parents to restrict usage. In response to concerns, Baszucki emphasized that Roblox takes user safety seriously. He noted that the company has systems to monitor for bullying, harassment, and misuse. He defended the platform's safety features and mentioned that advanced technology is used to filter communications and investigate flagged issues. Roblox has previously made changes to improve safety, including banning direct messaging for users under 13 and restricting certain chat features. Meanwhile, some parents reported positive experiences with the platform, highlighting its enjoyment for their children.