Gaming Isn’t Always Safe
In an increasingly digital world, our children are spending more and more time online, especially in spaces like gaming platforms where they can interact, play and explore. While these platforms can offer fun and creativity, they can also be a gateway to deeply unsafe and inappropriate content. One major example? Condo games on Roblox.
What Are Condo Games?
Condo games are hidden games created within the popular gaming platform Roblox, a space that allows users to build and play their own games. At face value, Roblox is meant to be child-friendly. In fact, at least half of American kids under 16 are reportedly using the platform. But not all games on Roblox are safe.
Condo games are designed to bypass Roblox’s moderation filters. These games often include naked avatars, sexually explicit content and inappropriate language, all within a platform intended for children. Even more disturbing, these games are often hacked and shared quietly among users, making them difficult to track and remove quickly.
Why Parents Need to Pay Attention
While we don’t want to scare parents, we do want to wake them up to the real risks. As seen in a recent CBS investigation, even parents who play alongside their children can be shocked by what unfolds on screen. One mother reported that while playing a regular game like “Adopt Me” with her eight-year-old daughter, another character grabbed her avatar and simulated a sex act.
This isn’t just inappropriate, it’s dangerous. Predators often disguise themselves as children, using avatars and usernames that look innocent. In the case of condo games, they are entering spaces that are designed specifically to evade moderation and target young, vulnerable users.
What Parents Can Do
Online safety starts at home. You don’t need to be a tech expert to protect your kids. You just need to be involved. Here are some steps you can take:
Talk early, talk often. Make conversations about online games and make safety a normal part of your routine.
Be curious, not judgemental. Ask your children what they’re playing, who they’re playing with and how the game works.
Use parental controls. Roblox offers settings that let you limit who your child can chat with and which games they can access.
Set boundaries. Just like you’d set rules for going outside, set limits for screen time, types of games and time spent online.
Check in regularly. Look at the games your child is playing. Sit with them while they play. Ask them how they feel when they’re online.
Know the signs. Sudden behaviour changes, secrecy about online activity or inappropriate knowledge could be red flags.
The Role of Platforms & Community
The truth is, Roblox and other platforms need to do more. These games should not be able to exist in spaces designed for children. But until stronger moderation is enforced, parents and carers remain the first line of defence.
Here at At The Ark, we’re passionate about empowering families through education and early intervention. Our Brave Little Bear series helps young children understand boundaries, consent and safe behaviour. We also focus on equipping parents with tools to stay connected and informed in their child’s online life.
Empowerment Through Awareness
We’re not saying kids can’t enjoy the internet or gaming platforms like Roblox. But we are saying to be aware. There are real dangers out there, and they’re often hiding in plain sight.
Let’s make the online world safer for our children. By staying involved, setting boundaries and starting the conversations early, we can give them the confidence to speak up and stay safe.
