From digital hide and seek to building a virtual theme park, millions of players are socialising, exploring their imaginations, and testing their creativity on Roblox. The online gaming platform is a hit, with users logging in more than 56 million times each month (more than Minecraft and Fortnite). Schools, camps and Girl Scout troops are also using Roblox to teach coding skills.

Created by gamers, for gamers, Roblox  provides an endlessly creative digital sandbox that lets people of all ages and abilities connect with others in a fun way. Its library of games has grown to include everything from obstacle courses and racing simulators to role-playing and intricate stories that rival those in popular films. It’s this limitless potential that keeps many kids coming back for more.]

How to Stay Safe on Roblox: A Guide for Parents and Players

But the platform is not without risks. It’s been hacked multiple times and there is well-founded evidence that predators use it to groom children, including in New Zealand. It’s also easy for young people to build relationships with strangers and spend too much time playing.

To reduce these risks, it’s important to discuss gaming with your child and use parental controls. Teach them to recognise red flags, such as asking for personal details or inappropriate images. Encourage them to keep their account and device in a shared space, like the living room, so you can monitor them. And remind them to always report or block suspicious behaviour or content. And avoid long-term gaming – as with any screen activity, it can lead to decreased physical activity, disrupted sleep patterns and changes in mood.