Why We Don’t Let Our Kids Play Roblox
Why We Don’t Let Our Kids Play Roblox
This post isn’t about judging families who do let their kids play Roblox. It’s about explaining why, in our home, Roblox doesn’t align with how we’re trying to protect childhood, nervous systems, and healthy development.
1. Roblox Is Not “Just a Game”
Roblox is a platform, not a single game. That means:
• User-generated content (often made by teens or adults)
• Inconsistent moderation
• Open chat, even when “restricted”
• Exposure to themes that range from mildly inappropriate to deeply disturbing
Even well-meaning settings don’t change the fact that children are navigating a digital social world designed for engagement, not wellbeing.
2. It Hooks the Nervous System
Roblox uses the same mechanics as social media and gambling-style apps:
• Fast rewards
• Endless novelty
• Social pressure to stay online
• Emotional highs and crashes
We see the effects clearly: dysregulation, irritability, difficulty transitioning back to real-world play, and increased aggression or anxiety. For developing nervous systems, this matters.
3. It Replaces Real Play
Imaginative, embodied play builds:
• Emotional resilience
• Social skills
• Creativity
• Frustration tolerance
Roblox feels creative, but it’s actually pre-built imagination. Kids aren’t creating worlds from within, they’re consuming and reacting inside someone else’s algorithm.
4. It Socializes Kids Earlier Than They’re Ready
Roblox introduces:
• Peer status dynamics
• Online identity-building
• Exposure to adult language, humor, and behaviors
• Comparison and performance pressure
That’s a lot for elementary-aged children who are still learning who they are offline.
Choosing not to allow Roblox can feel lonely, especially when it’s “what everyone else is doing.” But often, the families holding these boundaries are quietly creating a counterculture of healthier, more grounded children. You’re not behind. You’re actually early. And that’s often what real protection looks like.
A Note on Video Games With Your Kids
We are intentional about video games. When we introduce games, we believe in playing WITH our children, not outsourcing play to a screen. Co-playing allows us to observe how a game affects mood, regulation, and behavior in real time, to pause and talk things through, and to keep play relational rather than isolating. A shared game can become a point of connection, storytelling, and even laughter, but only when it’s time-limited, age-appropriate, and grounded in real human presence. For us, the issue isn’t technology itself; it’s unmoderated, immersive platforms replacing connection instead of supporting it.
Just like food, not all games are created equal. Some nourish a growing tween/teen, and others are the digital equivalent of junk food. Honestly, I often wish games came with nutrition facts labels, the way foods do, so parents could see at a glance what a game is actually feeding a child’s brain and nervous system. Many reward-based and phone-based games are engineered to hit the pleasure centers of the brain with constant dopamine spikes, designed for engagement rather than growth. In contrast, there are games that ask something of a child: strategy, patience, cooperation, problem-solving, and real teamwork. Those are the kinds of games we’re thoughtful about introducing, slowly and intentionally.
Scripts specifically for 10 year old on why they can’t play Roblox
The Core Script (Calm + Loving)
“Roblox isn’t something we’re choosing right now because it’s not healthy for growing brains. A lot of the games are designed to keep kids playing longer and longer by giving their brains quick hits of excitement. That can make it harder to stop, harder to sleep, and harder to feel calm afterward. Our job is to protect your brain while it’s still growing.”
The Food Metaphor Script
“Just like with food, some games help you grow and some are like junk food for your brain. Roblox has a lot of ‘junk games’ and they’re made to hit the pleasure center of your brain over and over, kind of like eating candy all day. We want to save your brain for games and activities that actually help it grow strong.”
The Fairness Script (Validates Feelings)
“I know it feels unfair, especially when other kids are allowed to play. It makes sense to feel mad or sad about that. Even when something feels unfair, it can still be the right choice for our family. I’m here with you in those feelings.”
The Nervous System Script (Empowering)
“Some games make kids feel calm and connected, and some make their bodies feel jumpy, cranky, or wired. We’ve noticed Roblox tends to make kids feel dysregulated afterward, and we want to choose things that help your nervous system stay balanced.”
The Social Pressure Script
“Just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s good for you. Lots of kids eat junk food every day too, but we still make different choices at home. Being able to say ‘no’ to something that isn’t good for you is a real strength.”
The ‘Not Forever’ Script
“This isn’t a ‘never ever.’ It’s a ‘not yet.’ As you get older and your brain gets stronger, we can revisit it together. Right now, we’re choosing what supports you best.”
The Replacement Script (Very Important)
“You’re not missing out on fun, you’re just getting a different kind of fun. Let’s figure out games and activities you do love that help your brain grow.”
(Then actively offer alternatives and don’t leave this abstract.)
Short One-Liner for Kids Asking Them
If your child needs something simple to say to friends:
“My family doesn’t do Roblox, it’s just one of our house rules.”
No explanation required.
Final Note for Parents
A 10-year-old doesn’t need a research paper. They need:
• Clarity
• Consistency
• Empathy
• Confidence from you
When you stay calm and grounded, the message lands, even if they don’t like it right away.