When kids ask for Robux, they're usually not thinking about "virtual currency." They're thinking about the specific thing they want to buy. Here's what that actually looks like:

This is where most Robux disappears. Kids can buy:

The social dynamics here are real. When kids are playing on public servers, their avatar is their identity. It's like showing up to school—what you're wearing matters to them, even if it's all pixels.

This is where it gets interesting from a "is this teaching entrepreneurship or just extracting money" perspective:

Individual Roblox creators set these prices, which means your kid might spend 25 Robux in one game and 400 in another for similar perks. There's no standardization, and kids don't always understand what they're actually getting before they buy.

For about 100-200 Robux per month, kids can rent private servers for their favorite games. This lets them play with just their friends without random players joining. Some parents actually prefer this option—it's more expensive but creates a more controlled social environment.

Certain games have become notorious for their monetization. Adopt Me, Brookhaven, Bloxburg (which requires Robux just to access), and Pet Simulator X all have their own internal economies that run on Robux.

Let's be honest about the psychology here. Roblox is designed to make free-to-play feel limited. Kids without Robux:

This isn't accidental. Roblox's entire business model depends on converting free players into paying customers, and they're very good at it. Kids experience FOMO (fear of missing out) in real-time when their friends have access to things they don't.

Some kids will tell you they can earn Robux through gameplay. Technically true, but here's the reality: earning meaningful amounts of Robux requires either creating popular games (which very few kids do successfully) or participating in the Roblox Premium subscription program, which... requires spending real money anyway.

The "earn Robux free" videos on YouTube are almost always scams or clickbait. Worth having that conversation early.

Ages 6-9: At this age, kids often don't distinguish between virtual and real money. They'll ask for Robux the same way they ask for a snack. Consider:

Ages 10-12: Kids start understanding value but are highly susceptible to social pressure. This is when "everyone has it" arguments peak. Consider:

Ages 13+: Teens can understand the business model but may still struggle with impulse control. Consider:

The math that matters: 400 Robux costs $4.99, 800 costs $9.99, and 1,700 costs $19.99. Most individual items cost between 50-500 Robux, but popular game passes can run 1,000+. Do the math on how quickly this adds up.

The subscription question: Roblox Premium ($4.99-$19.99/month) gives kids a monthly Robux stipend plus a 10% bonus on purchases. If you're already spending $10-20/month on Robux anyway, the subscription might make financial sense—but it also normalizes ongoing spending.

The gift card strategy: Many parents prefer giving physical Roblox gift cards rather than linking credit cards to accounts. It creates a natural limit and makes the money feel more real to kids.

Robux spending isn't inherently bad, but it requires active parenting. The 25% of families in our community who report no Roblox usage and the 15% who keep their kids in offline/private modes have made one choice. The 60% whose kids play on public servers are navigating a different reality—one where social dynamics and spending pressure are part of the package.

The question isn't whether your kid should have Robux, but rather: How do you want to teach money management, impulse control, and media literacy using Roblox as the classroom?

Because that's really what this is—an expensive but potentially valuable opportunity to teach real skills in a digital environment they care about.