Roblox Makes Age-Based Account Tiers Mandatory Worldwide, Tightening Access for Younger Users

Roblox launched its age-gated account tiers globally after rolling them out in the United States in May. The tiers are mandatory, and users are assigned to one of three categories based on their age. In the United States, Roblox Kids accounts cover children ages 5-8.

Roblox Select accounts cover tweens ages 9-15. The traditional Roblox account applies to users age 16 and older. Kids accounts can access only Minimal and Mild experiences and have no chat option. Select accounts can reach Minimal, Mild, and Moderate content, and their users can chat with people vetted by parents or guardians.

At age 16, users move to the standard Roblox account. Standard accounts cannot access games marked as Restricted, which remain limited to users age 18 and older. Parents or guardians can block any game until a child turns 16.

Previously, children over age 13 could unblock games themselves. Parents can also approve games outside a child's age bracket on a case-by-case basis. The system relies on the platform's age verification technology.

Earlier this year, some children bypassed verification by drawing wrinkles and stubble on their faces and holding up photos of Kurt Cobain.