Roblox, the massively popular online gaming platform that boasts over 100 million daily active users, with many of them children, has long been celebrated as a creative haven for young gamers.
With its user-generated content (UGC) system allowing players to build and share their own virtual worlds, and an in-game economy fueled by Robux (purchasable with real money), it has shattered records for concurrent players.
Recent releases, such as UGC emotes (user-created animations that players can use freely), have ignited outrage over poor content moderation, amplifying longstanding concerns about child safety. Is the gaming site facilitating child sexual abuse through neglectful practices? Let’s dive into the evidence, responses, and ongoing fallout.
The Rise of Roblox and Its Darkside
For years, Roblox has positioned itself as a safe space for kids to play, create, and socialize. However, critics argue that its rapid growth and profit-driven model have overshadowed the importance of protecting children.
Experiences simulating nightclubs, bathroom roleplays, and dollhouses attract millions of young users, but they’ve also been linked to thousands of reported cases of grooming, extortion, kidnapping, and worse.
Child sex predators exploit the platform’s chat features, voice options, and anonymity to target minors, often luring them off-platform for real-world harm.
Multiple lawsuits paint a grim picture. In August 2025, a North Carolina family sued Roblox, alleging the platform enabled the sexual exploitation of their child. Similarly, a Texas lawsuit accused Roblox of facilitating grooming and abuse. Another case was filed on behalf of a 10-year-old girl in Michigan who was subjected to exploitation due to inadequate safeguards.
The Louisiana Attorney General, Liz Murrill, recently filed a lawsuit in mid-August 2025, calling Roblox “the perfect place for pedophilia,” accusing it of perpetuating violence and sexual exploitation for profit.
AG Liz Murrill emphasized that Roblox’s lack of robust safety measures endangers children nationwide. In a Newsmax interview, Murrill reiterated that the platform puts “profit over the protection of our children” against sexual predators.
The Schlep Saga: Vigilante or Hero?
At the heart of the uproar is Roblox user Schlep (@RealSchlep on X). Schlep and his team have exposed at least six alleged child predators on the platform, gathering evidence and forwarding it to both Roblox and law enforcement.
A YouTube video featuring Schlep and JiDion as Schlep confronts one such predator regarding his grooming of a 13-year-old girl as he chats on the game. (Disclaimer: he is innocent until proven guilty.)
Yet, Roblox banned Schlep, labeling him a “vigilante” and issuing cease-and-desist letters. The company claims such actions violate terms of service, but critics question why only Schlep was targeted while his team remains active. Roblox’s policy update on romantic and sexual themes aimed to clarify boundaries, but details were sparse in available statements.
The ban sparked #FreeSchlep trending across X, with calls to unban him garnering widespread support. Even TMZ covered the story, amplifying the backlash.
Child safety expert Fareedah Shaheed noted in a Rolling Stone article that Roblox should collaborate more with motivated users like Schlep instead of punishing them. Schlep’s efforts underscore a key issue: If users must police the platform themselves, is Roblox failing its duty?
Roblox's Safety Measures: Too Little, Too Late?
Roblox insists it has always prioritized the safety of users on its platform. Features include developer questionnaires on explicit content (now mandatory by September 30, 2025), user/experience reporting tools, and age verification via legal ID and email address for 17+ experiences.
These Roblox experiences allow “strong violence, heavy realistic blood, moderate crude humor, romantic themes, unplayable gambling content, the presence of alcohol, strong language, and/or moderate fear.”
A recent tech talk with CEO David Baszucki, Eliza Jacobs, and Matt Kaufman outlined safety initiatives, though specifics were limited.
Roblox has partnered with law enforcement and child safety organizations, disputing claims of intentional risk: “The assertion that Roblox would intentionally put our users at risk of exploitation is categorically untrue,” said spokesperson Kadia Koroma. [1]
Following lawsuits, Roblox announced new policies, but many see these as reactive damage control rather than proactive prevention.
Roblox's Backlash: Investigations, Petitions, and Exits
The controversy has drawn heavy hitters. Chris Hansen, famed for To Catch a Predator, is investigating Roblox for a documentary, collaborating with Schlep to expose alleged mishandling of child safety. Hansen’s involvement signals a potential turning point, as he urges the platform to “take a seat” and address failures.
Rep. Ro Khanna launched a petition, “Stand with Us to Protect Kids and Save Roblox,” demanding better child protections, parental support, and law enforcement protocols. It calls for Roblox to release a detailed safety plan, aiming for 1 million signatures.
Prominent creators are jumping ship. KreekCraft, a major Roblox YouTuber, left the Roblox Video Stars program amid the Schlep drama, hinting at a “mass exodus” over safety concerns. Others like Thinknoodles and Remainings followed suit, protesting Roblox’s handling of child exploitation. [2]
A change.org petition to remove CEO David Baszucki has surged past 246,000 signatures (as of August 26, 2025), accusing him of failing to curb predators and punishing whistleblowers. Launched on August 9, it argues Baszucki’s leadership compromises child safety for profits.
Does Roblox Prioritize Profits Over Safety?
Roblox Corporation’s defenses highlight partnerships and tools, but the avalanche of lawsuits, bans on protectors like Schlep, and high-profile probes suggest systemic issues.
With children making up a huge user base, the platform’s growth-at-all-costs approach may indeed contribute to abuse by under-moderating content and ignoring warnings. While recent steps are welcome, they feel reactive and forced due to recent controversy.
While Roblox does have parental controls, age verification systems, and content filtering to handle safety settings on the platform, the question remains: Is its moderation system too flawed to be trusted?
Ultimately, Roblox must prove it’s not just a fun playground for young gamers and developers alike, but a safe one. Parents, lawmakers, and users are watching closely; the question remains if change will come before more harm is done.
If your child has been affected by a child predator on Roblox, contact Goldberg & Loren for a free consultation and legal representation.
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