Roblox Expert Warns Parents About Hidden Predators and Explicit Content

A leading American therapist who specialises in video games has warned that Roblox carries far greater risks than many families realise and should never be treated as an ordinary game for children. Andrew Fishman, a licensed clinical social worker in Chicago who works with children and teens through game-based therapy, says the structure of the platform exposes minors to dangers that parents often cannot see.

To understand the risks, parents must first understand what Roblox actually is. It is not a single game. It is a massive online platform made up of millions of user created games, chat spaces and virtual worlds that children move between freely. Some experiences are simple and creative, but others include horror themes, adult content or unmoderated social spaces. Any user can build a game, which means quality and safety vary widely. Roblox also encourages constant social interaction and includes a virtual economy where children can spend real money on upgrades, clothing and items. In practical terms, it functions more like a giant online playground than a traditional game, which makes close supervision essential.

Fishman warns that the company is now facing more than thirty-five lawsuits in the United States alleging that the platform enabled adults to contact and groom minors, expose them to inappropriate content and blackmail vulnerable children. He draws attention to an investigation by Hindenburg Research, where researchers created accounts designed to look like they belonged to minors. The investigators described Roblox as: “an X-rated paedophile hellscape, exposing children to grooming, pornography, violent content and extremely abusive speech.”

He highlights a major design flaw in Roblox’s communication tools. Unlike other online games that let players restrict chat to friends only, Roblox forces a choice between everyone or no one. Fishman warns that: “children who want to talk to their friends are therefore also open to contact from strangers,” a system he calls unsafe and baffling.

He also notes reporting that extremist groups have used Roblox to reach minors and cites a lawsuit from Texas attorney general Ken Paxton, who has called platforms like Roblox: “digital playgrounds for predators.”

Fishman, who generally supports gaming and uses it in therapy, says Roblox stands out for the wrong reasons. In his words: “I do not recommend allowing your children to play Roblox at all.” For families that do allow access, he advises disabling the chat function.

He concludes that parental involvement and strict communication controls are the strongest tools in keeping children safe on the platform.