Look, Roblox isn't going anywhere. Over 70% of kids ages 9-12 play it, and that number climbs even higher for tweens. It's basically the digital playground of this generation.

But here's what keeps parents up at night: Roblox is a social platform disguised as a game. Kids aren't just playing—they're chatting with strangers, spending real money (yes, Robux is real money), and navigating user-generated content that ranges from genuinely creative to deeply inappropriate.

The good news? You have way more control than you think. The bad news? Roblox makes you work for it.

Before you touch anything else, you need your own parent account. This gives you oversight without needing to log into your kid's account constantly.

Here's how:

Once linked, you can monitor their activity, friend requests, and messages—all from your own dashboard. Think of it like having admin privileges.

This is non-negotiable for younger kids. Roblox chat can be a dumpster fire, even with filters.

To restrict chat:

For kids under 13, Roblox automatically filters chat more aggressively, but you can disable it entirely. For kids 13+, the filters loosen significantly—which is when you really need to pay attention.

Pro tip: Even if you allow chat with friends, periodically check their message history. Roblox saves everything in the app under the chat icon.

If your kid plays Roblox, they're going to beg for Robux. It's the in-game currency that buys avatar items, game passes, and access to premium experiences. And yes, it's designed to feel like Monopoly money—but it's not.

Here's how to set spending limits:

You can also learn more about how Robux works and whether it's worth it.

Reality check: A lot of kids learn basic economics through Roblox—budgeting, saving for items, even creating games to earn Robux. But without guardrails, it's a fast track to your credit card bill exploding.

Roblox now lets you set daily playtime limits directly in the app. Hallelujah.

To set it up:

This is huge because it removes you from being the bad guy. The app enforces it, not you.

One caveat: Kids are crafty. If they have access to multiple devices (tablet, phone, computer), they might try to game the system. The timer is account-based, not device-based, so it should work across platforms—but keep an eye out.

Roblox defaults to pretty open settings, which is... not great. Here's what to lock down:

You'll find all of these under Settings → Privacy.

Why this matters: Roblox is a social network. If your kid's profile is public, strangers can see what games they play, what items they own, and when they're online. That's a lot of information for someone with bad intentions.

Not all Roblox games are created equal. Some are cute obstacle courses. Others are... let's just say "not age-appropriate."

Roblox uses an Experience Guidelines system that rates games:

To restrict content:

For kids under 9, stick with All Ages. For tweens, 9+ is reasonable. For teens, you'll need to make a judgment call—but definitely review what 13+ and 17+ actually include.

Hot take: Even with filters, some games slip through. User-generated content is a Wild West. Check what your kid is playing. If they're spending hours in a game, hop in and see what it's about. You might be surprised (in good ways or... not).

Here's the balance: You want to keep your kid safe, but you don't want to hover over their shoulder 24/7.

Smart monitoring strategies:

If your kid is under 10, you should probably be in the room when they're playing. If they're 11-13, periodic check-ins are enough. If they're 14+, trust but verify.

And if you're worried about whether Roblox is actually safe for kids, you're not alone. The answer is: it can be, with the right guardrails.

Despite your best efforts, things can still happen. Here's how to respond:

If your child encounters inappropriate content:

If they've been contacted by a stranger:

If they've overspent on Robux:

Roblox isn't inherently dangerous, but it's not a babysitter either. With the right settings, it can be a genuinely creative, social, and even educational space for kids. Without them? It's a free-for-all.

Your action plan:

And remember: no system is foolproof. The best parental control is still you—staying curious, staying involved, and keeping the conversation open.

If you want to dive deeper into whether Roblox is teaching entrepreneurship or just draining your bank account, that's a whole other conversation. But for now, you've got the tools to make Roblox work for your family—not against it.

You've got this.