We often talk to parents who assume that because a game looks colorful, playful, and popular with children, it must be safe. That assumption is understandable but it’s also where a lot of problems begin.
Games like Roblox are not simply games in the traditional sense. They are vast social spaces where children interact with people they don’t know, often without fully understanding who they are talking to or why those interactions feel so compelling. When you combine that with a child’s developing brain, you create conditions that can be exploited by adults with ill intentions.
This doesn’t mean Roblox is inherently bad, or that every child who plays it is in danger, but it does mean that younger children are especially vulnerable to manipulation, and that parental involvement isn’t optional, it’s essential.
Young children don’t have the same psychological defenses that adults do. Their brains are still developing skills like critical thinking, impulse control, and the ability to recognize hidden motives. Children tend to take people at face value, so if someone is friendly, helpful, or fun, a child’s brain often interprets that as safe.
And predators understand this very well.
What is an online predator?
Contrary to popular belief, most online predators are not overtly threatening or inappropriate at the start. They don’t frighten children, but they will befriend them. In a platform like Roblox, this usually begins with playing together in a game, helping a child advance, giving advice, or offering virtual items. To a child, this feels like kindness and connection, and it builds trust.
Once that trust is established, the manipulation becomes easier. A predator may begin to make the child feel special by commenting on how mature they seem, how fun they are to talk to, or how they enjoy playing with them more than with others. This taps into a child’s deep need for approval and belonging. Over time, the relationship can start to feel important, even central, to the child’s sense of connection.
From there, boundaries tend to shift gradually. The predator may suggest moving to private chat, asking personal questions that seem harmless, or encouraging secrecy under the guise of trust or friendship. None of this happens all at once. Each step is small enough that it doesn’t trigger alarm, especially for a child who has already learned that this person is “nice”.
This process is known as grooming, and it is effective because it doesn’t feel dangerous to the child while it’s happening. By the time a situation becomes inappropriate, the child may feel emotionally attached, confused, or responsible for protecting the relationship. Fear is often replaced by loyalty.
Parental controls don’t always work
Roblox creates particular challenges because it blends fantasy, role-play, and social interaction. Children may not fully grasp that the person behind an avatar could be an adult with very different intentions. The playful environment lowers a child’s psychological defenses. The line between “this is just a game” and “this is a real interaction” becomes blurred, and predators rely on that confusion.
Many parents assume that turning on parental controls solves the problem. While parental controls are extremely important, they are not a complete solution. Filters can block certain words or restrict some interactions, but they cannot reliably detect emotional manipulation, grooming language, or the slow development of inappropriate relationships. This is why one of the best ways you can protect your child is by being there with them whilst they play online games.
When parents regularly sit with their children while they play, even casually, it changes the entire dynamic. It reduces secrecy, makes the child’s online world visible, and signals that adults are part of the experience. Predators tend to withdraw when they sense adult awareness, because manipulation relies on privacy.
Sitting with your child also shows them they have your support. Children who feel their parents are curious rather than judgmental are far more likely to speak up if something feels wrong or scary.
Parental support is the way
Conversations matter just as much as control when it comes to gaming. Children need simple, clear guidance about online interactions. Consider explaining that adults or older teens should never ask them to keep secrets from you, ask for personal information, or make them feel under pressure. They also need reassurance that they won’t be in trouble for telling you about something uncomfortable, even if they can’t explain exactly why it felt wrong.
From a clinical point of view, shame and fear are what these predator’s use. When children believe they’ll be punished or have their games taken away, they are far more likely to keep quiet. As difficult as it is, it’s always best to remain calm as a parent.
Fear-based parenting often backfires, so instead we should try and understand how children’s minds work, how manipulation happens online, and why supervision is the best form of protection we can give our children.
The digital world is now part of everyday life and childhood. Pretending it isn’t, or assuming it’s safe because it looks fun, leaves children vulnerable. If we can set boundaries, and make ourselves available, our children are far better equipped to navigate these online spaces safely.
Remember…stay connected, informed, and present.
If you are concerned about your child’s gaming habits, please get in touch.
*All conversations with our team are strictly confidential.
PVD Psychological Associates specialize in college mental health, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, LGBTQIA+ issues, and relationship difficulties.
We also see clients for a range of other issues.
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