NAIROBI, Kenya — Concerns are mounting among Kenyan parents over children’s growing addiction to the online gaming platform Roblox, even as lawsuits abroad accuse the company of exposing minors to harmful content and exploitative systems.
The platform, which allows users to create and play games in a virtual environment, has surged in popularity among Kenyan children, with many spending hours daily online.
Parents and educators say the trend is beginning to affect academic performance, social behaviour, and mental well-being.
Internationally, Roblox has come under legal scrutiny, with parents in countries such as the United States filing lawsuits alleging that the platform’s design encourages excessive screen time and exposes children to inappropriate interactions and content.
While no major lawsuits have been filed in Kenya, local parents say the concerns mirror their experiences at home.
“It becomes addictive. You find children glued to screens for hours, sometimes late into the night,” said a Nairobi-based parent, adding that monitoring online activity remains a challenge for many households.
Experts warn that the platform’s interactive features, including chat functions and user-generated content, can expose children to risks such as cyberbullying, online predators, and inappropriate material if not properly supervised.
Kenya’s legal framework provides a basis for protecting children online, with Article 53 of the Constitution guaranteeing children the right to protection from abuse and harmful cultural practices.
Additionally, the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act and the Children Act 2022 outline safeguards against exploitation and abuse in digital spaces.
As the debate intensifies, parents are being advised to strike a balance between allowing children to explore digital spaces and ensuring their safety, amid growing evidence that unchecked exposure may carry long-term consequences.
