Ask Me Anything with the CICC and CWC on child safety concerns on ‘Roblox’

MANILA, Philippines – With millions of young users worldwide, Roblox has become one of the most popular online platforms for children — a sprawling virtual space where users can create games, socialize, and explore user-generated worlds. But alongside its rapid growth are mounting concerns over safety, exposure, and the kinds of content children may encounter.

Authorities and child protection advocates have flagged cases where minors are exposed to inappropriate content, grooming attempts, and even communities that promote harmful or extremist ideas. The platform’s open, user-driven design, while central to its appeal, has also made moderation a persistent challenge.

In the Philippines, officials have scrutinized how Roblox can be exploited by bad actors targeting young users. The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group has previously warned about possible links between violent incidents and online radicalization pathways, including interactions that may begin in gaming platforms and spill over into private channels. The group also foiled a planned mass shooting in February that had links to grooming on Roblox.

Child welfare advocates stress that the risks go beyond isolated incidents. They point to broader issues such as algorithmic exposure, peer influence, and the difficulty of monitoring children’s digital environments in real time. At the same time, platforms like Roblox continue to roll out safety features, including stricter chat filters and parental controls, though critics argue these may not be enough.

Rappler’s senior multimedia reporter for tech Gelo Gonzales sits down with Paraiso and Tapales to unpack these concerns, discuss what safeguards are currently in place, and explore what more can be done to protect Filipino children online.

To join the AMA:

1. Download the Rappler app for iOS or Android, and create a free account. The web version is also available here.
2. Tap the app’s Community tab and join the Front Page chat room.
3. Enter the Front Page chat room at 4 pm on Wednesday, and send your questions or thoughts there. A moderator will be steering the chat to guide everyone.
4. We will read your chat room messages during our livestream of the AMA, and Undersecretaries Aboy Paraiso and Angelo Tapales will respond on-air. Watch the livestream on this same page or head over to Rappler’s YouTube channel.

See you on May 6! – Rappler.com