If your child plays Roblox, you've probably heard requests for Robux. Here's what's driving that desire:

In Roblox, appearance matters. Kids want their avatars to stand out, look cool, or match their friends' aesthetics. Default avatars signal you're new or can't afford upgrades—something kids are keenly aware of.

Wearing limited-edition items or having a well-designed avatar can boost social status within the game. It's similar to wanting name-brand clothes or the latest sneakers in the physical world.

Many popular Roblox games offer VIP servers, special abilities, or game passes that require Robux. Without them, kids might feel like they're missing out on content their friends are experiencing.

Some games are designed with "freemium" models—free to play, but significantly better with purchases. This can create pressure to spend.

Roblox encourages kids to see themselves as creators, not just consumers. Many kids want Robux to purchase items for game development, or to look "professional" if they're building their own games.

There's also a collecting aspect. Limited-edition items can become status symbols, and some kids enjoy the hunt for rare virtual items.

Roblox regularly releases limited-time items, seasonal events, and collaborations with brands. The scarcity creates urgency—if your child doesn't get it now, it might be gone forever (or become much more expensive on the resale market).

Before you hand over your credit card, here's what you need to understand about Robux and spending on Roblox:

Robux purchases can seem small individually, but they accumulate quickly. A $10 purchase here, a $5 purchase there—suddenly you've spent $50 in a month without realizing it.

The exchange rate is intentionally confusing. Items are priced in Robux, not dollars, which makes it harder for kids (and parents) to track real spending.

Action step: Check your purchase history in your app store or Roblox account settings. You might be surprised by the total.

Roblox is designed to encourage spending. Kids see constant reminders of what they could buy, what their friends have, and what's available for "just" a few hundred Robux.

Many games within Roblox have their own economies, creating multiple layers of spending opportunities.

Robux has value, which makes accounts targets for scammers. Kids may encounter:

If your child's account is hacked, purchased Robux and items can disappear. Roblox's recovery policies are limited.

Some kids get involved in trading limited items, which can have fluctuating values. While this can teach economics, it can also lead to scams, unfair trades, or disappointment when "investments" lose value.

While Roblox promotes the idea that kids can earn money by creating games, the reality is that very few young developers make significant income. The platform takes a substantial cut, and successful games require advanced skills and marketing.

Don't view Robux purchases as an "investment" in your child's game development career unless they're already showing serious commitment and skill.

At this age, kids don't yet understand the relationship between virtual and real money. They see Robux as "game money" and may not grasp that it costs actual dollars.

Best practices:

This is the perfect age to use Robux as a financial literacy tool. Kids are old enough to understand budgeting but still need guardrails.

Best practices:

Teens can handle more financial responsibility, but still benefit from limits and conversations.

Best practices:

Enable two-step verification on your child's Roblox account. This prevents hackers from accessing the account even if they get the password.

Use a strong, unique password that your child doesn't share with friends (a common way accounts get compromised).

Set up account restrictions. You can limit who can contact your child, who can invite them to games, and more through Roblox's parental controls.

Remove saved payment methods from your child's account. Require a password for all purchases through your device's app store.

Check your credit card and app store statements regularly for unexpected charges.

Teach your child never to share account information, even with friends who promise to "help" them get free Robux.

Educate your child that:

Money conversations can be awkward, but Robux offers a low-stakes way to discuss spending, budgeting, and values.

"I noticed you've been asking for Robux a lot. What would you buy if you had unlimited Robux?" This opens dialogue about what they value and why, without immediate judgment.

"Let's look at how much we've spent on Robux in the past few months. Are you surprised by the total?" Making spending visible helps kids understand real costs.

"How do you feel when you see other players with items you don't have?" This addresses the emotional component and social pressure.

"What do you think Roblox does to encourage people to buy Robux?" Helps kids think critically about game design and marketing tactics.

Avoid making your child feel bad for wanting Robux. The desire is normal—the games are specifically designed to create it.

Instead of: "You're so spoiled, always asking for more Robux!"

Try: "I know those items look really cool. In our family, we have a budget for game spending, and we've reached it this month. Let's plan what you'll get next month."

Use Robux to teach concepts like:

Robux isn't inherently good or bad—it's a tool that can either teach valuable lessons or create problematic spending habits, depending on how it's managed.

The key is intentionality. Rather than responding reactively to each request, establish clear expectations, boundaries, and values around virtual spending.

For many families, a small monthly Robux budget works well. It gives kids the enhanced experience they want while teaching them to make choices within limits. Whether that's $5, $15, or $30 depends on your family's values and financial situation—there's no "right" amount.

What matters most is that spending is:

Remember: your child's avatar doesn't define their worth, and the most meaningful Roblox experiences—playing with friends, creating games, solving challenges—are completely free.

This week:

This month:

Ongoing: