How to block kids from creating public Roblox games?

Roblox is a popular online platform where kids can play and create their own games. Creating games on Roblox can be a fun and creative experience, and it helps children develop valuable skills like problem-solving and programming. However, Roblox allows children to create and share their games publicly, which can be risky.

Roblox allows children to create and share their games publicly because it encourages creativity and fosters a sense of community. However, this open platform can expose kids to potential risks, such as:

• Cyberbullying and harassment: Children can be targeted with mean or hurtful comments in the game chat or forums.
• Inappropriate content: Some children might create or share games that contain offensive, violent, or sexually suggestive content.
• Privacy concerns: Kids might share personal information, like their real name or address, in their games, exposing themselves to potential dangers.

Parental Controls and Account Settings

Roblox offers several parental control features to help you manage your child’s experience on the platform. These controls help you limit access to certain features and content, ensuring a safe and age-appropriate environment. Here’s how to restrict your child from creating public games.

1. Account Privacy Settings:

• Who can see your child’s profile? Set this to “Friends Only” or “Nobody” to prevent strangers from accessing their profile.
• Who can message your child? Limit messages to “Friends Only” or “Nobody” to minimize potential exposure to inappropriate messages.

2. Age Restrictions:

Roblox provides age-based restrictions on certain features, like games and experiences. Ensure your child’s account age setting accurately reflects their age.

3. Disabling Public Game Creation:

While Roblox doesn’t explicitly have a feature to disable public game creation for specific accounts, you can manage your child’s account settings to discourage this. Here’s how:

• Set Account Privacy to Private: By selecting “Nobody” for both profile visibility and messaging, you limit interactions and the potential to share games publicly.
• Limit Spending: Disable or limit spending on Roblox to discourage your child from purchasing assets for game creation.

4. Communication and Open Dialogue:

• Talk to your child: Explain why it’s important to limit public game creation and how to engage with Roblox safely.
• Monitor their activity: Periodically review your child’s Roblox activities and settings to ensure they are following safety guidelines.

Communication and Monitoring

Open communication with your children about online safety is crucial. Encourage them to talk about their Roblox experiences and any concerns they may have. Explain the importance of protecting their personal information and not sharing it with strangers. You can also monitor their Roblox activity by:

• Regularly checking their game history and friends list.
• Setting up parental controls on their devices to limit screen time and internet access.
• Using a parental control app to monitor their activity.

Talk to your kids about the risks associated with sharing personal information and engaging with strangers online. Remind them that not everyone online is who they say they are and that it’s important to be cautious. Regular discussions about online safety and responsible gaming practices will help them navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

Alternative Game Creation Options

While Roblox allows kids to create games, it also allows them to make those games public and accessible to others. If you’re looking for alternative game creation options that offer a safer environment for younger audiences, consider exploring these platforms:

• Scratch: This platform provides a visual programming language that’s ideal for beginners. It’s designed to be user-friendly and safe, making it an excellent choice for kids. You can create games, animations, and interactive stories using Scratch.
• Code.org: This non-profit organization offers a variety of free online courses and resources for teaching computer science to kids. They have interactive tutorials that teach coding concepts through game creation, making it fun and engaging.
• Stencyl: This platform offers a drag-and-drop interface for creating games. It’s designed to be more intuitive than traditional coding, making it suitable for kids. Stencyl allows you to export games to various platforms, including desktops and mobile devices.
• GameMaker Studio 2: This professional game development software provides a robust suite of tools for creating games. It’s suitable for both beginners and experienced developers. While not specifically designed for kids, it offers resources and tutorials tailored for younger audiences.

These platforms prioritize safety and control, offering features that allow you to manage your child’s online activity. For example, they may have content filtering, moderation tools, or parental accounts. They also provide a safe space for kids to experiment with game development without the risks associated with public platforms.

While Roblox empowers kids to express their creativity, it’s essential to prioritize their safety online. Open communication and parental involvement are crucial to setting boundaries and ensuring a positive gaming experience. Utilize Roblox’s safety features and stay informed about their policies and updates regarding game creation. Remember, your role is to guide your child in exploring Roblox responsibly, striking a balance between fostering creativity and maintaining a safe online environment.