Roblox is an online multiplayer gaming platform that allows users to create their own games and play games created by other users. It has become one of the most popular games among children, with millions of users worldwide. While many parents are concerned about the impact of the game on their children, others believe it is a harmless way for kids to interact with their peers. My kids are way too young to be in the world of video games quite yet — by the time they’re old enough they’ll probably have the ability to implant the games into their brains via the App Store, God help me. Professionally, however, I get asked about gaming generally and this game specifically on an almost weekly basis. So let’s talk about it. Pros of Kids Playing Roblox 1. Creativity One of the key benefits of Roblox is the platform's emphasis on creativity. Children get to use their imaginations to build their own games or play games created by others. This can help develop their creative skills, problem-solving abilities, and imagination. 2. Social Skills Roblox is an excellent platform for children to interact with other players and add a new dimension to their friendships. Children can collaborate with others to build new games, work together to complete existing games or simply chat to other players. These interactions can help children develop social skills, such as communication, teamwork, and empathy. 3. Educational Value Some games on Roblox have educational themes, such as history or science, which can provide a fun and engaging way to learn. 4. Safe Environment Roblox prides itself on providing a safe online environment for children. The platform offers features such as parental controls, chat filters, and moderators, which help ensure the safety of its users. Cons of Kids Playing Roblox 1. Addiction While Roblox can be a fun and creative platform for children, it can also be addictive. The platform's addictive nature can lead to children spending excessive amounts of time playing, to the detriment of their school or personal lives outside of the game. (Timers can help. I recommend a visual timer like this one, which I use in session: a.co/d/beCQnAP) 2. Inappropriate Content Roblox tries its best to enforce strict content guidelines to prevent inappropriate content from being displayed to minors. However, some players may create games or chat rooms with inappropriate content, which can expose kids to explicit language, violence, or sexual content. 3. Cyberbullying Like any online platform, Roblox has its fair share of cyberbullies. Children may encounter other players who use bullying tactics, such as name-calling or harassment, which can have a negative impact on their self-esteem. 4. In-Person Socialization Some kids become so invested in the world of Roblox that they prefer it to in-person time with friends. Interactions that take place in the game may cause rifts in friendships outside of the game. For kids with social anxiety or social discomfort, in-person interaction may feel even more difficult as compared to the relatively less awkward world of Roblox. So what’s a parent to do? Only you can decide what’s right for your family. Roblox can be an excellent platform for children to develop their creativity, social skills and learn in a fun way. However, parents and guardians should be aware of the potential downsides of the game, and remain vigilant in order to recognize if these risk factors may be impacting their own children. By taking proactive measures to monitor children's usage and setting strict guidelines, they can ensure that their children can use the platform safely and responsibly. What are your thoughts? What restrictions, if any, do you put on your kids’ video game usage? Have you seen any positive or negative effects of Roblox and similar games? Let me know in the comments! Thanks for reading. Take care of yourself ♥️ -Sandi
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AuthorHi, I’m Sandi! I’m a child + adolescent counselor and a mom of 2. As such, I do lots of thinking about mental health in the news + pop psychology and their practical applications. I rarely keep my thoughts to myself. ArchivesCategories |