15/08/2025
Parents: A quick but serious warning about Discord & Roblox
Online predators actively use kid-friendly games and chat apps to groom children. They often begin in Roblox (through in-game chat/voice) and then move kids to Discord for private messaging where it’s harder for parents to see. Recent investigations and lawsuits show that even with safety tools, bad actors still find ways around filters and moderation.
Why this matters
• Grooming and “sextortion” (threats to share images) are now common tactics; the FBI has warned parents repeatedly about this trend.
• Discord and Roblox both say they ban grooming and report child-harm content to NCMEC, but no system is perfect—predators can still reach kids via chats, DMs, and voice.
What to do right now (5-minute checklist)
1. Talk, then set rules. Remind kids: never share real name, school, town, gamer tags that match other accounts, photos, or live location—ever.
2. Lock down Roblox:
• Review Chat & Privacy settings and restrict who can chat or message; younger accounts have stricter filters, but check anyway.
• Show kids how to Report Abuse in-game and tell you immediately if someone asks to move “off-platform” (e.g., to Discord).
3. Lock down Discord (or hold off allowing it):
• Turn off “Allow direct messages from server members,” require friends only DMs, and enable the automatic media filter for explicit content.
• Make sure they know how to block and report users.
4. Stay where they play. Keep devices in shared spaces; listen for voice chat; ask, “Who are you talking to?” Predators often pose as kids and may use voice-changing tools.
5. Know where to report:
• Report on the platform first (Roblox/Discord).
• Then file a tip with NCMEC’s CyberTipline and contact local law enforcement for anything involving grooming, extortion, or exploitation.
Parents—please don’t assume “it’s just kids talking.” If your child uses Roblox or Discord, check their settings and chats tonight and keep the conversation going. 💙
