Source: Roblox

Roblox announced on the 13th (U.S. local time) that it is introducing two new age-based account systems for younger users: 'Roblox Kids' (for ages 5–8) and 'Roblox Select' (for ages 9–15).

These accounts, scheduled for rollout in early June, are designed to provide more granular control over content access, communication settings, and parental controls based on the user's age. Additionally, Roblox is continuously building and reviewing screening processes for games accessible to users under 16.

This initiative is an extension of efforts begun earlier this year, when Roblox became the first online gaming platform to introduce a facial-based age verification system for chat features. Since its launch, over 50% of global daily active users and more than 65% of U.S. daily active users have completed age verification.

This update integrates age verification, default account settings, content ratings, compliance, and expanded parental controls into a single, unified framework for younger users. According to Roblox's content screening criteria, users under 16 who have completed age verification will be able to access the majority of their favorite games. For users 16 and older who have completed verification, the Roblox experience will remain unchanged.

■ Roblox Kids (Account for ages 5–8)

Roblox's age-based account system automatically assigns users aged 5 to 8 to a Roblox Kids account once verified by a parent or guardian through global age verification technology or platform authentication. Roblox Kids accounts are linked to a catalog of thousands of curated games that are updated in real time.

- Roblox Kids Account Details: These accounts can only access games that have passed Roblox's three-tier review process and received an appropriate rating (Minimal or Mild).

Chat features are disabled by default.

Specific background colors will be applied throughout the app to help identify the account type.

■ Roblox Select (Account for ages 9–15)

Roblox Select accounts are for users aged 9 to 15, verified by a parent or guardian through global age verification or platform authentication. These accounts are also linked to a catalog of thousands of curated games updated in real time for this age group.

- Roblox Select Account Details: These accounts can access games that have passed the three-tier review process and are rated up to 'Moderate' in content maturity.

Default communication settings for users aged 9–15 remain unchanged.

Specific visual designs will be applied to distinguish this account type.

■ Account Transitions

Roblox's global age-based account system automatically transitions accounts as users age. When a user turns 9, their account automatically switches from Roblox Kids to Roblox Select. Upon turning 16, it automatically transitions from Roblox Select to a standard Roblox account.

Users who have not completed age verification can only access games rated 'Minimal' or 'Mild,' and all communication features are disabled. Once they complete age verification, their account will automatically transition to the appropriate level without requiring additional settings.

■ Real-Time Monitoring System for Evolving Game Environments

All content uploaded to Roblox undergoes compliance procedures, including AI-powered asset scanning, continuous review of user reports, and a real-time multimodal moderation system that detects potential policy violations.

Furthermore, for content provided to users under 16, an additional, ongoing review process evaluates games in real time. This includes developer identity verification, expanded content evaluation and rating, and additional exposure restrictions for content suitable for older audiences.

■ Evaluation Criteria

Games that meet the following additional criteria are automatically included and displayed for 'Roblox Kids' and 'Roblox Select' accounts.

- Developer Verification: Developers must complete ID verification. They must also enable two-step verification on their accounts and subscribe to the newly introduced Roblox Plus.

- Real-time evaluation: Roblox analyzes how users 16 and older interact with new games and monitors user reports to evaluate whether the content is suitable for younger users.

- Content maturity rating and default exclusions: Each game is assigned an appropriate content maturity rating, such as Minimal, Mild, or Moderate. By default, Roblox Kids and Roblox Select accounts cannot access games containing sensitive topics, social-participatory content, or free-drawing games.

■ Integration with Next-Generation Rating Systems

Starting later this year, Roblox will begin transitioning to the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) system, a global standard for rating digital games and apps. Regional rating systems, such as the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in the U.S. and the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) system used in Europe and the U.K., reflect local cultural standards and help families more easily identify age-appropriate content.

■ Expanded Parental Controls

Roblox is expanding its existing parental controls, allowing parents and guardians to directly manage content ratings, communication settings, screen time, and spending limits. This provides parents and guardians with greater transparency into the games their children spend time in and their social connections. With this update, parents and guardians can use the new features while retaining access to some existing controls until their child turns 16.

- Expanded granular game blocking: Parents can block specific individual games until their child turns 15.

- Expanded chat management: Parents can manage 1:1 chat settings until their child turns 15.

- New granular game approval: Parents can individually grant access to specific games that are not otherwise available under the child's assigned account type.

This system is designed to help parents and guardians more closely manage their children's gaming and social interactions. This update is part of an ongoing effort to provide age-appropriate experiences for all users, ensure a safe-by-default environment for younger users, and give parents and guardians greater visibility and control over their children's Roblox usage.

Larry Magid, CEO of ConnectSafely, stated, "By strengthening age verification and creator accountability, and combining them with parental controls, Roblox is contributing to raising platform standards for how to provide a more positive online experience for teen users while keeping them safer."

Matt Kaufman, Chief Safety Officer at Roblox, said, "The launch of Roblox Kids and Roblox Select will bring fundamental changes to how games are discovered on the platform. Safety is not a static, permanent feature, but a process that evolves as a child grows. While no system is perfect, these age-appropriate accounts are designed to reduce the burden on parents and guardians and help tailor the user experience to each age group."