Oklahoma sheriff’s Office Warns of Online Predators Targeting Children on Roblox
OKLAHOMA - The Canadian County Sheriff‘s Office is raising alarms about the potential for online exploitation of children using the popular gaming platform Roblox. Major adam Flowers with the Sheriff’s Office urges parents to be actively involved in thier children’s online activities, emphasizing that prevention is key to avoiding lifelong trauma.
“It’s important that parents understand what the app is and how it works,” Major Flowers stated. “Make them be in the same room with the parent while they’re playing the game.”
Authorities have observed predators using the platform’s virtual currency, Robux, to solicit inappropriate content from children, as highlighted in a recent Oklahoma lawsuit. The Sheriff’s Office reports cases of exploitation involving children aged 8 to 17.
Warning signs of potential grooming or exploitation, according to Major Flowers, include failing grades, increased desire for privacy, withdrawal from normal activities, and changes in makeup or wardrobe.
Roblox states it prioritizes user safety and has “rigorous safeguards” in place, including restrictions on sharing personal facts, links, and images, and banning users for engaging in sexual conversations. Parents of children under 13 have access to account controls to manage content and review friends lists.
The company is currently working to expand age verification processes for all users utilizing chat features. Currently, in-game messaging is prohibited for users under 13, with age verification available through selfie uploads or ID verification for those 13 and older.
Attorneys representing the Oklahoma family involved in the lawsuit acknowledge expanded age checks as a “promising step,” but maintain that “New technology alone will not rebuild trust” for families impacted by online predation.
Roblox reports 111 million daily active users as of this year, with over half of its user base being older than 13.
