At Brainy Bytes, the safety of your children is our number one priority. When choosing platforms and tools for our courses, we carefully evaluate not only their educational value but also their safety and security. For this reason, we do not offer courses using Roblox or similar platforms, despite their popularity. The reason is simple: these platforms have repeatedly been flagged as an unsafe environment for children.
The Risks of Roblox: Real Concerns for Parents
Roblox is a global platform where millions of users can create and share games, providing a wide range of experiences for kids. While it seems like an attractive, creative environment, a growing number of reports have shown that it also poses serious risks to the safety of children. For several years, risks such as inappropriate content, predatory behavior, unmonitored chat features, online bullying, and financial exploitation have been linked to this site. (The Guardian, BBC, Common Sense Media)
To date, Roblox continues to receive criticism for ongoing safety issues, despite its efforts to improve. Concerns remain regarding children’s exposure even with the platform’s content filters and parental controls in place. The National Center on Sexual Exploitation in 2024 labeled Roblox “a tool for sexual predators, a threat for children’s safety”. Yet, for the second quarter of 2024, in a push toward profitability, Roblox reported a 2% year-over-year decline in its trust and safety expenses. In addition to safety concerns, financial exploitation, such as children overspending on in-game currency or being lured into scams, remains problematic (Hindenburg Research, Cloudwards, SafetyDetectives).
These reasons are precisely why, at Brainy Bytes, we refuse to integrate Roblox into our programs. The platform’s lack of sufficient safety measures makes it an environment where children can easily encounter harmful situations.
The Brainy Bytes Philosophy: Safety First
Our founder, Ena Hackaday, has made it clear:
“Our students’ safety always comes first. Even if integrating platforms like Roblox could bring in more revenue, we won’t do it because we believe it puts kids at risk. Their well-being is more important than any potential profit.”
Instead of following trends, Brainy Bytes remains dedicated to offering educational tools that align with our mission of ensuring a safe learning environment.
Online Resources for Parents: Protecting Your Child’s Internet Safety
For parents who are concerned about their children’s online safety, here are three valuable resources to help you navigate the digital world:
- Common Sense Media: Offers reviews and advice on apps, games, and websites with a focus on child safety. Visit Common Sense Media for guidance.
- ConnectSafely: A nonprofit dedicated to educating users about internet safety and privacy. Their guides on gaming safety are especially useful. Visit ConnectSafely for more information.
- National Online Safety: Provides courses and resources for parents to understand the risks and benefits of online platforms. Visit National Online Safety to learn more.
By being informed and vigilant, parents can take control of their children’s online experiences and keep them safe from harm. At Brainy Bytes, we are committed to providing learning environments that are both educational and secure. Thank you for trusting us with your children’s education.
