Internet Safety for Kids: Why Games Like Roblox Require Extra Caution
It’s no secret that kids love online games like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite. These platforms allow children to build, explore, and connect with friends in creative and exciting ways. But behind the fun, there are serious safety concerns that every parent should know about.
At Head & Heart Family Therapy, we regularly talk with families about the challenges of raising kids in a digital world. One of the biggest issues we see is how easy it can be for children to encounter inappropriate content or even be contacted by strangers online — often without realizing the danger.
The Hidden Risks in Popular Online Games
Many of today’s most popular games include chat features and open social interaction, which can make kids vulnerable to manipulation or grooming. For example:
Roblox allows players to join public games and private servers where adults and children can interact freely.
Fortnite and Minecraft include voice and text chat options that can be accessed by anyone, including strangers.
Some games use avatars and virtual currencies, which can lead to unsafe interactions or even online scams.
A 2024 study by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) found that the majority of online exploitation cases begin on platforms that allow open messaging between minors and adults. Even if a game seems innocent, the chat features often aren’t monitored closely enough to protect young users.
Why Kids Are Especially Vulnerable
Children are naturally curious, trusting, and eager to connect — especially in virtual worlds that reward social interaction. Online predators exploit this by posing as other children, offering in-game rewards, or slowly building trust through private messages.
And because kids often don’t tell parents when something feels off, it’s easy for dangerous situations to go unnoticed.
What Parents Can Do to Keep Kids Safe
Here are a few key ways to protect your child online while still allowing them to enjoy gaming responsibly:
Play with your child. The best way to know what’s happening in a game is to join them. Learn the platform, test the safety settings, and make it a shared experience.
Use parental controls. Roblox, Fortnite, and most major games include privacy and chat filters — but they must be manually turned on. Review these settings together with your child.
Disable private chat or friend requests. Limiting communication to known friends helps reduce risk dramatically.
Talk early and often. Encourage your child to come to you if someone online makes them uncomfortable or asks for personal information.
Set boundaries for screen time. Excessive online play can affect mood, attention, and sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends setting daily limits and keeping devices out of bedrooms.
Use safety tools. Resources like Common Sense Media, NetSmartz (NCMEC), and the Family Online Safety Institute provide guides for parents on app safety, privacy, and digital wellbeing.
Creating a Safer Digital Home
Technology isn’t going away — but with guidance, supervision, and open communication, children can learn to navigate online spaces safely. At Head & Heart Family Therapy, we help parents find balanced approaches to digital play that build trust while protecting their child’s wellbeing.
If you’re concerned about your child’s online safety or screen habits, reach out to our team in Claremont, Upland, Pasadena, or Rancho Cucamonga. Together, we can help your child stay safe, confident, and connected — both online and off.
