Are Roblox and Minecraft Safe? A Parent’s Guide to Online Gaming

What Are Roblox and Minecraft?

Nanda Botadkar, Business Coach at Nurturing Business, Mumbai, shares her experience. “Dozens of kids, super addicted to gaming and faring poorly in academics, came for counselling, and it was one of the most challenging times as there was no prior work on it for any reference. Questions like what these games really are, and why kids get so addicted to them, and what are the interventions that can help were topmost on my mind.”

• Roblox is not just one game. It’s a digital playground where kids can find millions of games created by users. From racing cars to fashion shows, Roblox offers endless choices. Think of it as the “YouTube of gaming.”
• Minecraft is different. It lets kids build, explore, and survive in a pixelated world. It’s more peaceful and creative but just as immersive. Children can design their own worlds, play with friends, and go on adventures.

Both games can be great for learning and creativity. But they can also take over your child’s time and attention if not managed well.

ALSO READ: Is Your Child Sleepwalking or Crying at Night? Here’s What You Need to Know About Parasomnia

Why Do Kids Get So Addicted?

Nanda explains, “It’s not about ‘lack of discipline’ or ‘bad habits.’ It’s more about brain science, emotional need, and energetic pull, all playing out through a screen.”

Here’s why these games are so hard to put down:

• Audio-Visual Magnetism: Bright visuals and catchy sounds make the games exciting. Every win, badge, or new skin gives a small reward, making kids feel happy and successful.
• Sense of Achievement: In games, kids can build, lead, and show off their skills. They feel powerful and important, which might not always happen in real life.
• Social Connection: Playing with friends or even strangers gives them a sense of belonging and validation.
• Emotional Comfort: Games can become a way to escape stress, boredom, or criticism. They offer comfort and a safe space.

But there’s a downside. As Nanda points out, “These kids start having very short attention span. Their brain becomes wired to jump from one high to the next. Slow, steady tasks like reading or just being feel boring.”

Too much gaming can cause:

• Lack of interest in other activities
• Poor sleep and mood swings
• Trouble focusing on schoolwork
• Emotional dependency on games

Are Roblox and Minecraft Safe?

The answer isn’t simple. As Nanda says, “More than labelling the games, let’s look at how the child engages with them and what kind of environment they are growing up in.”

Both games have risks:

• Online Strangers: Kids can chat with people they don’t know.
• Inappropriate Content: Some games or chats may not be child-friendly.
• Spending Money: In-game purchases can add up quickly.

But with the right settings and guidance, both games can be safe. Here’s what parents can do:

• Enable Privacy Controls: Turn off open chat and restrict who can contact your child.
• Set Spending Limits: Block or limit in-game purchases.
• Monitor Game Content: Check what games your child is playing and who they’re playing with.
• Talk About Safety: Teach your child what to do if something online feels wrong.

Encourage your child to enjoy offline activities too like reading, sports, art, or just spending time outdoors. A study that parents may find helpful is from the American Journal of Open University Education. This research explored the benefits and risks of playing Roblox among high school students. It found that while Roblox can boost creativity and teamwork, too much gaming can lead to addiction, poor school performance, and mental health issues. The study also warned about risks like distraction, online predators, and spending too much money. 

When to Worry

• Watch for warning signs like:
• Mood swings when the screen is taken away
• Loss of interest in other hobbies
• Talking only about the game
• Playing with unknown people online

If you notice these signs, it’s time to step in. Nanda suggests, “Every generation needs a different kind of parenting to keep up with the times. So here too, the Parental Shift from being Controlling to Connection is needed.”

Tips for Parents

• Ask what your child enjoys about the game.
• Find ways to give them similar joy offline.
• Set clear screen time limits.
• Create family rituals that don’t involve screens.
• Listen to your child’s experiences before correcting them.

Conclusion

Roblox and Minecraft are not the enemy. They can be safe and fun if used wisely. The real key is balance and connection. Guide your child, set boundaries, and stay involved. Help them find joy both online and offline. In the end, your presence and understanding matter more than any rule.