Roblox is overhauling its user experience by introducing specialized account types: “Roblox Kids” and “Roblox Select.” This initiative aims to provide age-appropriate access to games and communication features, creating a tiered ecosystem based on user maturity.
The rollout, scheduled for early June, follows a mandatory age-verification requirement implemented in January. By leveraging this verification technology, Roblox will automatically categorize users into specific tiers to ensure they encounter content suited to their developmental stage.
The New Account Hierarchy
The platform is moving away from a “one size fits all” model toward a structured system based on age:
- Roblox Kids (Ages 5–9): Access is limited to games with “Minimal” or “Mild” ratings (featuring light humor or mild fantasy violence). To ensure safety, chat is disabled by default. Communication is only possible if a parent manually approves specific contacts.
- Roblox Select (Ages 9–15): Users can access games rated up to “Moderate” and are permitted to chat with others in similar age groups.
- Standard Accounts (Ages 16+): These users have broader access to the platform’s standard features.
- Restricted Content (Ages 18+): Only adult users can access content containing strong violence, romantic themes, or mature language.
Why this matters: As digital platforms face increasing pressure from regulators and parents to protect minors, Roblox is shifting from reactive moderation to proactive structural safety. By segmenting the user base, the platform attempts to mitigate the risks of inappropriate content and unmonitored social interactions before they occur.
A Rigorous Three-Step Screening Process
To ensure that “Kids” and “Select” accounts remain safe, Roblox has implemented a strict vetting process for all games intended for these tiers. A game cannot reach younger audiences without passing three distinct hurdles:
- Developer Verification: Creators must meet eligibility requirements, such as enabling two-step verification. Developers under 16 must also undergo ID verification or link their account to a parent. Additionally, developers must maintain a Roblox Plus subscription ($4.99/month).
- Real-Time Evaluation: Before a game is cleared for younger users, it is tested by users aged 16 and older. This group provides feedback and reports to assess the experience. Roblox also employs a multimodal moderation system to scan for rule violations.
- Gameplay Criteria: The final check ensures the game carries the correct maturity label and adheres to specific gameplay standards.
Parental Controls and Subscription Changes
Roblox is also introducing flexibility for families. Parents can manually approve specific games that fall outside a child’s default restrictions—for instance, allowing a child on a “Kids” account to play a specific game alongside an older sibling.
This structural shift coincides with a change in the platform’s monetization model. The existing Roblox Premium subscription will stop accepting new sign-ups on April 30, as it is being replaced by the new Roblox Plus tier, which offers exclusive benefits and discounts.
Conclusion: Through these new account tiers and rigorous developer vetting, Roblox is attempting to balance a massive, diverse user base with the need for strict, age-gated safety protocols.
