Roblox has taken a major step to protect children from online predators by blocking chat between minors and adult strangers, a move that has sparked both praise and concern among parents, safety advocates, and users. The new restrictions, rolled out in late 2025, require all users to complete facial age verification before accessing chat features, and only allow communication within age brackets unless both parties are verified as “trusted connections”.
What’s Changing
Starting in November 2025, Roblox users under 13 are no longer able to chat with anyone outside of specific game experiences, and even within those experiences, direct messaging requires parental consent. For users aged 13 to 17, the platform has introduced “Trusted Connections,” a feature that allows communication only with those who have been verified as known contacts in real life. The company is also expanding its AI-powered Roblox Sentinel system to flag suspicious interactions and enforce these new rules.
Why the Change?
Roblox’s decision comes amid growing scrutiny over child safety on online gaming platforms. The company has faced lawsuits and criticism for allowing unsupervised interactions between children and adults, with studies showing that children as young as five could previously communicate with strangers during gameplay. In response, Roblox has aligned its policies with global online safety regulations, including mandatory age verification and parental consent for younger users.
Real-Life Impact
The changes have had a noticeable effect on the Roblox community. Many children under 13 have expressed frustration, with some Reddit users lamenting the loss of chat features that once allowed them to interact with friends and make new ones. Parents, however, have largely welcomed the move. “It’s unfortunate, but ultimately for the best,” said one Reddit user, echoing the sentiment of many who believe the restrictions are necessary to protect children from online risks.
Expert and Advocacy Reactions
Child safety advocates have praised Roblox’s efforts but remain cautious. Rani Govender from the NSPCC warned that “unacceptable risks” still exist, urging the company to ensure effective enforcement of the new rules. Campaign groups like ParentsTogether Action and UltraViolet have launched virtual protests within Roblox, demanding even stronger child safety measures and collecting over 12,000 signatures on a petition calling for stricter controls.
What’s Next
Roblox is continuing to work with global safety organizations and regulatory bodies to refine its age verification and chat restriction systems. The company encourages parents to familiarize themselves with the platform’s safety features and adjust settings according to their child’s maturity and sensitivity. For users, the changes mean a safer, more controlled environment, but also a shift in how they interact and socialize on the platform.
