Roblox Teen Safety: New Safeguards & Age Estimation

Roblox Enhances Teen Safety with New Features

Roblox revealed on Thursday the implementation of enhanced safety measures designed for users aged 13 to 18. These updates include the introduction of “Trusted Connections,” age estimation technology, expanded privacy controls, and dedicated insights for parents of teenage users.

Addressing Safety Concerns

Recent years have seen Roblox facing scrutiny regarding its approach to child safety. A subpoena was issued in April by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, prompted by reports of children encountering inappropriate content and predatory behavior on the platform.

The newly announced changes are likely a response to both legal pressures and parental concerns. This teen-focused update follows the launch of protections for younger users, those under 13, which occurred eight months prior.

Introducing “Trusted Connections”

The platform is rebranding “Friends” as “Connections” and introducing “Trusted Connections” to facilitate more open communication between teens and individuals they know. Users within these Trusted Connections can engage in unfiltered chat and voice interactions.

According to Ryan Ebanks, a senior product manager at Roblox, users determined to be 13 or older will gain access to more expressive communication features with their Trusted Connections. This increased freedom aims to discourage teens from moving conversations to less monitored platforms.

Roblox emphasizes that conversations between Trusted Connections are proactively monitored to identify and address critical safety risks, such as grooming attempts. Parents will also have visibility into their teen’s Trusted Connections.

Age Estimation and Verification

Accessing Trusted Connections requires users to utilize the platform’s new age estimation technology. This involves submitting a selfie video for age verification; a minimum age estimation of 13 years is necessary for access.

If the system cannot confidently verify a user’s age, their age will remain unconfirmed. Users who fail the age estimation process can alternatively verify their age through ID submission.

Communication Restrictions

Teens aged 13 to 17 with confirmed ages can designate each other as Trusted Connections. Communication without filters between users 18 and older and teens is restricted unless a pre-existing, real-world relationship is verified using a QR code.

Roblox intends to leverage age estimation technology throughout the platform to ensure users have access to age-appropriate features and content.

Enhanced Privacy Tools

Teen users now have greater control over their online visibility. They can choose who can see their online status – limiting it to Connections, followers, no one, or all Roblox users.

Furthermore, teens can now schedule periods during which push notifications from Roblox are silenced.

Parental Insights and Controls

Roblox is providing parents with a suite of tools to monitor their child’s activity on the platform. Parents can view their teen’s Connections, track their time spent on Roblox, and identify the games they are playing.

Parents also have the option to receive notifications regarding specific transactions made by their teen on Roblox.

Dina Lamdany, a senior product manager at Roblox, highlighted the design of these tools to provide parents with quick, easily digestible insights that can fit into their busy schedules.