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Guiding children online has always been part of a parent’s role, but families cannot shoulder this responsibility alone. Today’s social media and gaming platforms are massive, profit-driven companies that profit from children’s use while carrying both a legal and moral duty to protect them from foreseeable harm. Parents can set boundaries and have conversations, but they cannot stop predators from creating fake profiles, using coded language to groom children, or exploiting gaps in chat and avatar systems. These are systemic safety risks that only platforms themselves have the power, and obligation, to address.

In today’s digital age, children are spending more time than ever online. Popular gaming platforms, social networks, and virtual worlds provide an exciting space for young minds to explore. However, with these opportunities come risks, especially the danger of online predators. Platforms like Roblox, which cater to children and teens, face looming lawsuits because they have become breeding grounds for sexual predators to exploit weak safety measures to manipulate and groom young users. While parents may believe that these platforms should have protections in place to keep our children safe, more often than not, they chose profit over safety.

Roblox, for example, is primarily marketed towards children, with its playful visuals and tie-ins to children’s toys like LEGO, Nickelodeon, and Marvel. But the platform has made it all too easy for predators to gain access to minors, with private messaging and chat features as well as lack of age verification that provide direct contact with your child.  

While it is unacceptable and unfortunate that we cannot fully trust platforms to protect our children, parents must take steps to protect their children from online threats.

1. Monitor your child’s online activity

Monitoring your child’s online activity is another key strategy. Even when platforms have security features in place, predators can easily fly under the radar by building relationships over time. As a parent, it’s important to stay involved in what your child is doing online, whether through active monitoring or using digital tools that track their activity. Parental control apps can help you keep an eye on your child’s interactions. These tools can track messages, social media posts, and online activity, ensuring that no inappropriate content or communications slip through unnoticed. Additionally, reviewing your child’s gaming history or chat logs periodically can help you spot any concerning interactions early on.

2. Understand the games and platforms your kids are using

One of the most important things parents can do is take the time to understand the platforms their children are using. Popular platforms like Roblox, Fortnite, and Discord are interactive and social spaces where kids can chat, play games, and create content. However, these platforms also have chat and messaging features that allow children to communicate with strangers. It’s essential for parents to be aware of these features and how they can expose their children to potential risks. Before allowing a child to use a platform, a parent can download it themselves, enter the child’s age, and see firsthand what type of access is given. By using the platform for a couple of weeks, parents gain insight into who might reach out and are better prepared to set rules and have meaningful conversations about safe use.

Parents should also take the time to review the privacy settings for each platform. Most online platforms offer privacy settings that limit who can message or contact your child. Ensuring that your child’s profile is private, and restricting communication from strangers, can greatly reduce their exposure to online predators.

3. Talk about online safety openly

Teaching your child about online safety is just as important as setting up technical safeguards. A crucial part of protecting your child online is educating them about the risks and empowering them with the knowledge of how to protect themselves. You should have open and ongoing conversations with your child about the dangers of sharing personal information online, just as you would talk about safety in the physical world. Discuss why it's important to keep their address, phone number, and school details private. It’s also essential to help your child recognize the signs of online grooming. Predators often begin by appearing kind and trustworthy, gradually building a connection before taking advantage of it. They may pose as someone the child’s age or even as a familiar adult to gain access. It’s important for children to understand that private conversations with adults online are a warning sign, especially if they involve requests for explicit photos or sexual talk. Make sure your child knows that they can always come to you if something feels wrong or if they’re unsure about an online interaction. Reinforcing this message will make them feel safer and more comfortable talking to you about any concerns they have.

4. Keep an eye on any changes in behavior

As parents, it’s also important to stay vigilant for warning signs that your child might be experiencing online grooming. Grooming is often a slow and insidious process, with predators attempting to build a connection with the child by offering attention, kindness, and emotional support. Signs that your child may be manipulated include secretive behavior, spending an unusual amount of time online, or changes in the way they interact with you or others. If your child begins to talk about a “special” new friend they met online or expresses an eagerness to meet up with someone they’ve only spoken to virtually, it’s essential to investigate further. Many predators – oftentimes posing as minors themselves – use online platforms to groom children for inappropriate in-person meetings, and it’s important to intervene before things escalate.

5. Report inappropriate content to the platform

If your child encounters inappropriate content or interactions online, it’s crucial to report it to the platform and law enforcement when relevant. While not always reliable, most digital platforms have built-in reporting systems that allow users to flag suspicious behavior. Encourage your child to come to you if they encounter anything uncomfortable. If you find severe inappropriate behavior, it may be a good choice to include law enforcement. Parents should lead with curiosity and calm—thank them for telling you, ask what happened, and decide together on next steps like blocking, reporting, tightening privacy settings, or taking a break from the app. Follow up later to check how they’re feeling, and keep reinforcing that speaking up was the right choice and that you’re a team.

Finally, while it’s essential to use all available digital safety tools, parents should also encourage a healthy online-offline balance. Spending too much time online can increase the risk of exposure to harmful individuals, so it’s vital to set limits on screen time and ensure your child is engaging in other offline activities. Encouraging your child to participate in sports, hobbies, or family activities will help ensure they have a well-rounded and fulfilling life beyond the screen.

The digital world presents a unique set of challenges, but with the right approach, parents can help their children navigate these challenges safely.

At Singleton Schreiber, we understand the challenges that come with protecting your child in the digital age. If you suspect your child has been targeted or harmed by an online predator, and failed by a digital platform like Roblox, we encourage you to reach out for a confidential consultation. Our team of legal experts is dedicated to fighting for justice and holding platforms accountable for failing to protect vulnerable users. If your child has been affected by online grooming or abuse, don't hesitate to contact us for the support and legal guidance you need.