Parents have long wondered if games like Roblox are safe for children, and now the UK government may address those concerns. Proposed rules could restrict communication between young players and strangers on platforms like Roblox, Fortnite, and Minecraft.
I’ve been gaming for a long time, and one thing has always been consistent: talking to other players online. But honestly, the way we do that feels totally different now than it did back when multiplayer games first became popular. The whole online world has just changed so much in the last thirty years!
Many of us remember the unpleasant experiences that sometimes happened online, like in the popular Call of Duty lobbies on Xbox 360 and PS3.
I remember wanting to play games like Call of Duty, but they weren’t free! And if you played on a PlayStation or Xbox, you also needed to pay for an online subscription just to play with friends. It really came down to what our parents thought about it – they had to decide if they were okay with us playing those kinds of games online.
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Games like Roblox and Fortnite are free to play on phones, making them easier for kids to access than older multiplayer games. This increased accessibility unfortunately raises the chance of children encountering content their parents wouldn’t want them to see.
To address these concerns, Kanishka Narayan, the UK’s online safety minister, is considering a complete ban on children using chat features, according to a report in The Times.
The UK’s Online Safety Act has already led to age verification systems on platforms like Fortnite and Roblox. However, completely preventing children from communicating with strangers would be an even more drastic measure.
Australia has banned social media for anyone under 16, starting in December 2025, although this doesn’t currently include gaming platforms. The UK government is likely to be monitoring this situation, and a similar law could be introduced here soon.
According to Metro, the children’s commissioner, Rachel de Souza, recently told Sky News that while boys aren’t typically active on social media, they often spend three to four hours a day playing video games. She pointed out that these games can connect children with strangers online, potentially allowing someone like a 55-year-old from another country to communicate with a nine-year-old.
Video games are now a significant part of many people’s lives. Recognizing this, de Souza explained that the proposed rules aren’t about banning children from gaming, but rather restricting access to services and content inappropriate for those under 18.
The UK government hasn’t announced specific plans yet, but discussions are underway. Because the Online Safety Act already exists, any new rules could be put in place quickly. Companies that don’t follow the rules would likely be fined. If a new law is passed, businesses might receive advance notice or a period of time to adjust before it’s fully enforced.
Authors
I’m a big fan of Cole Luke’s work! He’s a really talented journalist and video creator who regularly contributes to TopMob Gaming. I’ve also seen his articles on sites like Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, and Network N – he’s all over the place, and everything he does is top-notch.
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2026-06-02 17:34