RTÉ probe highlights 'grooming and sexual exploitation' within popular online game Roblox

Roblox, one of the world’s most popular online gaming platforms for primary school–aged children, is facing renewed scrutiny over the safety of its youngest users. An RTÉ Prime Time examination has uncovered serious risks to children on the platform, despite its widespread use among those as young as five.

Prime Time reporter, Kate McDonald created test accounts posing as a five-year-old, a nine-year-old and a thirteen year old. During the investigation, these accounts accessed games featuring gambling style mechanics, sexualised role-play and conversations referencing suicide.

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Adults and children can freely play the same games and interact via in-game chat. Prime Time also witnessed older players attempting to move younger users onto private messaging apps.

There are major concerns about the level of exploitation emerging on gaming platforms such as Roblox.

Detective Superintendent Michael Mullen told Prime Time that Gardaí are “seeing grooming, sexual exploitation, and sexual abuse as a result of children being on gaming platforms, and in some cases, moving on to other platforms.”

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Roblox is currently facing multiple lawsuits in the United States brought by state attorneys and parents who allege that children were sexually abused, exploited, or exposed to inappropriate content while using the service.

Last week, Roblox announced new safety features which will require age verification for anyone using chat functions. These are due to be introduced in Ireland in January.

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Experts told Prime Time that while this development is welcome, it will not prevent adults from entering the same virtual games as children.

Watch the full report on Prime Time tonight, 27 November, at 9:35pm RTÉ One and RTÉ Player and read the digital report on RTÉ.ie/primetime.