Dear Parents and Carers,

A number of our pupils have expressed they play Roblox. If you know your child plays this game - could you read on.
Can I also ask that you put the parental controls on (these can be found in the setting icon)

As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping all children in our care safe and well, we are writing to you today to pass on some information which has reached us through the local authority.
Online safety experts have released a Safeguarding Update about a collection of games trending within the Roblox gaming platform. The games depict themes of isolation, cutting, and suicide with some including chatrooms where users engage in unmoderated discussions around hopelessness, depression, self-harm, and suicide. These ‘Depression Rooms’ have up to 5.6 million visits and are advertised as being appropriate for ‘all ages’. However due to the nature of these rooms and the content they use, there is concern that they are likely to exacerbate issues around mental health as opposed to supporting them.

Please see the recommended guidance and advice for any parents concerned about their childs access to Roblox:
- Stay calm and check the usage – These rooms are isolated games within the platform, this does not mean that all games on Roblox are a safeguarding concern
- Gain an understanding of Roblox - It’s important to know that Roblox is not just a ‘singular’ game. There are thousands of games with different themes available for users to search for, create and engage with.
- Talk to your child about their Roblox usage - Ask specific questions that encourage detailed answers, such as “What kinds of games do you play on Roblox?” or “Can you tell me what you like about playing games on Roblox?”
- Employ Safety Settings - Roblox has parental controls and privacy settings available for children and young people, some of which are employed automatically. Just make sure the child in your care is registered with the correct date of birth.
- Encourage open discussions around mental health - with yourselves or a trusted adult.

If you have any concerns regarding your child in relation to this issue, please contact your child’s form tutor in the first instance for support and guidance.

Kind regards
Mrs K Harvey
Headteacher