Parents warned over "disturbing" risks of online game Roblox
Researchers have warned parents about what they call a "deeply disturbing" occurrence on the popular video game Roblox.
Many parents might not consider the potential dangers of allowing their children to play online games, including multi-platform games like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox.
What seems like an innocent online game and an appropriate pastime for children can quickly turn dark, with various potential dangers for young users.
According to The Guardian, research has revealed "deeply disturbing" occurrences on the popular game Roblox.
This includes children being exposed to inappropriate content and potentially harmful interactions with adults.
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Many parents have also shared stories of children experiencing addiction, viewing traumatising content, and being approached by strangers on the Roblox website and app.
The popular gaming platform has acknowledged the potential dangers the game might pose for children and has said it is working hard to address them.
Roblox added that industry-wide collaboration and government intervention will be needed.
The company said it "deeply sympathised" with parents and children who have had traumatising experiences but highlighted that "tens of millions of people have a positive, enriching and safe experience on Roblox every day".
Digital behaviour experts Revealing Reality told The Guardian that they discovered "something deeply disturbing … a troubling disconnect between Roblox’s child-friendly appearance and the reality of what children experience on the platform".
As part of their investigation, Revealing Reality created a series of Roblox accounts registered to fictional users aged five, nine, 10, 13, and over 40, allowing them to explore the platform through the eyes of both children and adults.
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These accounts only interacted with each other to "ensure their avatars' behaviours were not influenced in any way".
The research report found that "safety controls that exist are limited in their effectiveness, and there are still significant risks for children on the platform".
It also found that children as young as five could communicate with adults, and even uncovered examples of adult-child interactions occurring without any effective age verification.
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Image: Roblox