The Hidden Dangers of Roblox: What Parents Need to Know About the Whisper Chat Function

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Based on my time with students in schools, I have no doubt that the most popular online game is Roblox! Whether I am working with 3rd grade students or 8th grade students, this is a hugely popular game. Upon a casual glance at Roblox, it appears to definitely be a ‘kids’ game’ and some may even say a ‘little kids’ game’. As a result of this perception, most parents instinctively assume if it is a little kids’ game, then the dangers are probably fairly limited. Not so much…

Looking at the hard numbers, Roblox is one of the most popular online gaming platforms for kids, with over two hundred million active users each month. Its interactive, user-generated worlds and immersive multiplayer experience make it incredibly appealing to young players. However, like many online platforms, Roblox comes with its fair share of risks, particularly when it comes to communication features like the whisper chat function, which was new to me until today when I read this article.

What is the Whisper Chat Function?

The whisper chat function in Roblox is a predator’s dream. It allows players to send private messages to each other within the game. Unlike the general chat, which can easily be monitored, whisper chat messages are private and can be harder to track. This function was created to be useful for teamwork and private discussions, but has instead opened the door to potential dangers, mainly that of a predator grooming an innocent child, but also includes cyberbullying, inappropriate content, scams, and phishing attempts. Here is a short YouTube video to familiarize yourself with how it works.

Security experts said sites like Roblox have become a hotspot for predators. In fact, in 2024, Roblox was called a ‘pedophile hellscape for kids’ in a report by Hindenburg Research, alleging that students have been “groomed” on this app for years. The whisper chat functionality available for Roblox players contributes to this problem. Since whisper messages are not always visible to moderators or parents, it becomes easier for predators to build trust and manipulate young players.

How Parents Can Protect Their Kids on Roblox

While Roblox offers many opportunities for creativity and socialization, parents must be aware of the potential dangers lurking within the game and take proactive steps to protect their children. Roblox has built-in parental controls that can significantly improve online safety:

  • Restrict Chat Functions: Under the account settings, parents can limit who can message their child or disable chat features altogether. This will also disable whisper chats.
  • Enable Account Restrictions: Turning on Account Restrictions in the Privacy Settings can help determine that only age-appropriate content is accessible to the child.
  • Set a Parent PIN: By enabling a Parent PIN, settings cannot be changed without parental approval.
  • Monitor Friend Requests: Set the account to only allow friend requests from known, trusted individuals.
  • Use the Report & Block Features: Teach children how to report and block users who behave inappropriately. This allows children to control who they wish to communicate with online and is a great skill to teach for future online interactions.

Additionally, I want to emphasize the importance of talking to your child about this feature. Show them what this looks like and explain that it is dangerous for anyone to talk to you privately in any game. Also emphasize the importance of only talking to people you know in real life or that you, the parent, have approved of. Even if you have chat disabled, your child can be playing at a friend’s house who may not have chat disabled and needs the knowledge to self-protect.

In addition, it is important to educate children about general online safety so that they understand the dangers of private messaging and online interactions. This includes never sharing personal information, such as real names, addresses, or passwords, and understanding that not everyone online is who they claim to be. Students should also be encouraged to report any uncomfortable interactions to a parent or trusted adult immediately. These could include predatory behavior, such as someone asking them to keep secrets or trying to move the conversation to another platform.

Checking Roblox chat logs and in-game activities periodically can help parents identify any concerning interactions or behaviors. We think it is best to foster open communication with your child by encouraging them to talk openly about their gaming experiences, friends they meet online, and any messages that make them uncomfortable. Assure them they will not be punished for reporting concerns.

Roblox can be a fun and engaging platform for children, but it is essential for parents to stay informed and proactive about its risks. The whisper chat function, while useful for gameplay, poses dangers that should not be ignored. By utilizing parental controls, educating kids on online safety, and fostering open communication, parents can create a safer online environment for their children.