Roblox unveils new age-specific accounts and enhanced safety features

Roblox has launched new age-specific accounts—Roblox Kids for ages 5 to 8 and Roblox Select for users 9 to 15—in an effort to enhance safety for younger players, according to reports from The Verge and Mashable. The platform now requires age verification for accessing games designed for users aged nine and older, ensuring appropriate content restrictions and default chat settings are applied. These changes come as part of a broader response to safety criticisms and ongoing legal scrutiny concerning child protection.

In addition to new account types, Roblox has expanded parental controls allowing guardians to restrict access to specific games and manage chat permissions, as described by Rappler. These tools are designed to customize the user experience and provide more oversight for families. The Conversation AU highlights that the rollout began in May in Australia with a global launch planned for early June, targeting improved safeguards against online child grooming.

Roblox is also introducing a new subscription service called Roblox Plus, priced at $4.99 monthly, set to replace the existing Roblox Premium subscription for new users, according to Expansion MX. In Mexico, the platform is adjusting its terms to include verification requirements that address local safety challenges. Experts cited in the report have raised concerns over deceptive game designs and gambling-like mechanics, driving legislative calls for stricter age verification laws.

The focus on age verification tech remains a critical element of Roblox's strategy to regulate content and player interactions more effectively, though technical hurdles persist in accurately verifying users’ ages, The Conversation AU notes. Addressing these difficulties is essential for preventing underage users from accessing inappropriate content and protecting them from predators on the platform.

Going forward, the effectiveness of these age-gated accounts and enhanced parental controls will be closely monitored, particularly as Roblox adapts to evolving regulatory environments and safety standards worldwide. The platform’s ability to enforce verification and manage tailored content will be key to maintaining user trust and compliance with child protection laws.