The head of Roblox, a leading gaming platform, has advised parents who are uneasy about their children using the service to simply prohibit its use. Despite being immensely popular among young gamers aged eight to twelve in the UK, Roblox has faced criticism over instances where users have encountered explicit or harmful content. Additionally, there have been numerous reports of bullying and grooming on the platform. Nevertheless, co-founder and CEO Dave Baszucki insists that the company is vigilant in safeguarding its users, emphasizing that tens of millions enjoy positive experiences daily. He acknowledges parental concerns but suggests that ultimate decisions regarding usage should rest with them.

Baszucki’s stance comes amid growing scrutiny of online safety, particularly as new legislation in the UK seeks to enhance protections for children. The Online Safety Act, set to take effect in April, imposes stringent regulations on tech companies. Yet, Baszucki remains confident in Roblox’s safety measures, which include advanced AI systems analyzing all communications between users. For those who misuse the platform, consequences range from temporary suspensions to permanent bans. Furthermore, recent updates have restricted under-thirteens from sending direct messages or participating in certain chat-heavy activities.

Despite these efforts, critics argue that safety filters can be bypassed. In an experiment, the BBC successfully created fake accounts capable of exchanging messages across different devices. Although some attempts to redirect conversations were flagged, others slipped through by rephrasing suggestions. When confronted with these findings, Baszucki contended that such actions underscore the platform’s relative security compared to alternatives. He reiterated Roblox’s commitment to exceeding legal requirements regarding image-sharing and other inappropriate behaviors.

In addition to addressing safety issues, Baszucki reflected on the origins of Roblox, founded in 2004 with Eric Cassel. Initially designed as educational software, it evolved when children began using it creatively—building houses, ships, and entire worlds. This shift inspired the creation of what would become one of the largest gaming platforms globally, valued at $41 billion today. Key milestones included the introduction of Robux, a digital currency enabling monetization for content creators, and ongoing developments toward a Metaverse-like experience.

Looking ahead, Baszucki envisions Roblox transforming how people communicate virtually. With aspirations to attract ten percent of global gamers, he describes the platform as “the future of communication.” His vision extends beyond gaming, encompassing everyday interactions within a virtual realm. During our interview, we tested his favorite games, Natural Disaster Survival and Dress to Impress, where despite his recognition among players, we succumbed to a fierce blizzard—an apt metaphor perhaps for navigating challenges in both real and digital worlds.

Beyond technical safeguards, fostering trust requires collaboration between platforms and families. While Roblox continues enhancing its tools, parents must remain actively engaged in managing their children’s online experiences. By combining technological innovation with human oversight, stakeholders aim to create safer digital environments where creativity thrives without compromising well-being.