Roblox updates age and safety settings: what it actually means for children
Digital platforms evolve — and when they do, safety matters.
Roblox has recently introduced updates to its age and safety systems, with a clear goal: better protection for children and clearer boundaries around communication and content.
For parents, educators, and speech-language pathologists, these changes raise important questions.
What exactly has changed — and what does this mean in practice?
This article explains the updates in a clear, non-alarmist way, with a special focus on structured and therapeutic use of digital platforms.
Why Roblox is making these changes
Previously, age on Roblox was largely self-reported.
The new system moves toward active age verification and age-based safety defaults, aligning Roblox with broader international expectations for child safety online.
The intention is not to limit play, but to:
reduce unwanted contact
ensure age-appropriate communication
give adults better oversight and control
The 3 key changes you should know
1. Age verification before chat access
To use chat features, users must now go through age estimation (selfie-based) or official ID verification if needed.
This helps ensure that safety features are based on actual age, not just stated age.
2. Age-based communication limits
Chat is no longer one open, global space.
Children mainly communicate with others in the same age group, while communication across age groups is restricted unless someone is added as a trusted connection (for example, a parent).
3. Stronger default safety for children
For younger users:
chat is restricted or disabled by default
content access is age-appropriate
parental controls are clearer and more central
Access to mature or restricted content requires verified age.
Why this matters for children
These changes significantly reduce:
exposure to inappropriate communication
contact with unknown adults
reliance on self-regulation by children
Instead, safety is built into the system by default, with adults playing a key role in supervision.
This reflects a broader shift in digital child safety:
platform responsibility + adult involvement.
What this means in speech therapy contexts
In therapeutic settings, Roblox is not used as a social platform.
When used in speech therapy, it functions as:
a structured activity space
an adult-guided environment
a tool to support specific learning goals
At SpeechTherapyGaming:
chat is disabled
there is no interaction with strangers
games are designed for intentional, goal-oriented use
These platform updates support — rather than conflict with — safe therapeutic practice.
Technology is not the risk — unstructured use is
Digital tools are neither inherently good nor harmful.
What matters is how they are used.
With:
clear boundaries
adult guidance
purposeful design
digital platforms can be both safe and meaningful for children.
Roblox’s updated safety systems make it easier for parents and professionals to maintain these boundaries.
Final thoughts
Roblox’s new age and safety updates represent a move toward:
real age-based protections
reduced unwanted communication
stronger child-first defaults
For families and clinicians using digital tools thoughtfully, these changes are a step in the right direction.