Roblox is one of the most popular games among children in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and across the continent. If your child has asked for it, or you have heard them talking about games like Grow a Garden, you have probably wondered: is Roblox safe for kids?
The answer depends on your child’s age and on how the account is set up. Roblox made major safety changes in 2026, including mandatory age checks for chat and new age-based accounts. This guide explains what changed and what parents should do. Details are correct as of October 2026.
Parenting.Africa is not affiliated with Roblox.
What is Roblox?
Roblox is a free platform where users play games made by other users, from obstacle courses and pet-raising games to role-play cities. It runs on phones, tablets, computers and consoles. Players can buy virtual items with Robux, which cost real money.
What changed in 2026
- Age checks to chat. Since January 2026, users must complete an age check before they can chat at all, according to Roblox’s own announcement. The check uses facial age estimation or ID.
- Age-based accounts. Since June 2026, children are placed into Roblox Kids (ages 5 to 8) or Roblox Select (ages 9 to 15) accounts. Full Roblox accounts are for users aged 16 and over, as set out in Roblox’s June 2026 update.
- Reviewed games for younger users. Games shown to Kids and Select accounts go through extra review, and Roblox says it excludes games with social hangout or free-form drawing features from these catalogues.
Is Roblox safe for your child’s age?
Ages 5 to 8 (Roblox Kids)
Chat is off by default. Parents can choose to allow text-only chat with users of a similar age or with “Trusted Friends” they approve. With chat left off and a linked parent account, Roblox Kids is a reasonable choice for this age group, though young children should still play where an adult can see the screen.
Ages 9 to 12 (Roblox Select)
Chat unlocks gradually after an age check, and parents can still change chat settings, approve Trusted Friends, review friend lists and set spending and screen-time limits. This is the age when talking about strangers, scams and “free Robux” offers matters most.
Ages 13 to 15 (Roblox Select)
From 13, Roblox hands more decisions to the teen. Parents lose the ability to set spending and screen-time limits, but can still change chat settings and block specific games until 16. Ongoing conversation becomes your main safety tool.
16 and over
Full Roblox accounts with chat on. Parents keep visibility of spending, screen time and friends until 18 if accounts are linked.
The real risks to talk about
- Strangers. Even with filters, some people try to move children to other apps such as WhatsApp, Snapchat or Discord. Teach your child never to leave Roblox to chat with someone they met there.
- Spending. Robux purchases can add up fast. Remove saved cards and use spending limits.
- Scams. “Free Robux” websites and videos are almost always scams designed to steal accounts or personal details.
- Fake age checks. Children may use an older sibling’s face or ID to pass the age check. Explain why the age rules exist.
- Time. Games are designed to be hard to put down. Agree on limits before play begins.
How to set up Roblox parental controls
- Create your own Roblox account and link it to your child’s account as their parent.
- Make sure your child’s correct birth date is on the account so they are placed in the right account type.
- Review chat settings. For under-9s, leave chat off unless you have a clear reason.
- Set a monthly spending limit and screen-time limit (available until 13).
- Check the friend list regularly and approve Trusted Friends only for people your child knows in real life.
- Remove saved payment cards from the device and app store.
Roblox’s Safety Center has step-by-step guides for parents.
Conversation starters
- “Show me your favourite game. What do you do in it?”
- “Has anyone ever asked you to chat on another app?”
- “What would you do if someone offered you free Robux?”
- “If something online ever makes you uncomfortable, you can tell me and you won’t be in trouble.”
The bottom line
Roblox is safer in 2026 than it was a few years ago, especially for children under 13 with linked parent accounts. But no setting replaces an involved parent. Set up the controls together, keep devices in shared spaces for younger children, and keep talking.
Frequently asked questions
Is Roblox safe for an 8-year-old?
It can be, with a Roblox Kids account, chat left off, a linked parent account and play in a shared space. Children aged 5 to 8 are placed in Roblox Kids, where chat is off by default.
Is Roblox safe for a 10-year-old?
Children aged 9 to 15 use Roblox Select accounts. Chat requires an age check and unlocks gradually. Parents can control chat, friends, spending and screen time until 13, so link accounts and review settings together.
Can my child chat with strangers on Roblox?
Only after an age check, and then mainly with users in similar age groups or Trusted Friends. Children under 9 have chat off unless a parent allows it.
How do I stop my child spending money on Roblox?
Set a monthly spending limit through Parental Controls and remove saved cards from the device and app store.
Sources
- Roblox: Age-based Roblox Kids and Roblox Select accounts now globally available (June 2026)
- Roblox: Facial age checks now required to chat (January 2026)
- Roblox Safety Center
Keep reading
- Is Lagos Life safe for teens? What parents need to know
- Screen time for children: an age-by-age guide
More guides on screens, games and online safety in Digital Parenting.
Featured image: Photo by KoolShooters on Pexels.
