Television journalist Chris Hansen, best known for his “To Catch a Predator” series, has joined forces with YouTuber Schlep to tackle what they describe as a serious child predator problem on Roblox. The duo has launched a public investigation aimed at exposing safety issues for minors on the popular gaming platform.
Hansen and Schlep claim Roblox isn’t doing enough to protect its young users despite having a massive user base of over 380 million monthly active players, many of whom are children. Their investigation includes video exposés, direct communication with suspected predators, and working with law enforcement agencies.
The pair alleges that Roblox often ignores or delays action when receiving reports about abusive users. According to Schlep, he was banned from the platform after his investigative activities became public, suggesting potential pushback from the company.
Their efforts have reportedly led to at least six arrests of individuals suspected of predatory behavior on Roblox. However, details about convictions remain limited and sometimes disputed.
Roblox has responded by stating they take child safety seriously. The company reports thousands of incidents to organizations like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)—over 13,000 reports in 2023 alone. Critics argue these measures are mostly reactive and not enough, considering how huge the platform is.
The gaming platform combines user-generated content, chat features, and social interactions, making moderation especially tough. Parents can turn off in-game chat to increase safety, but this isn’t set up by default, and kids can often get around it.
To catch a Robloxxer
The investigation has gotten a mix of cheers and criticism. Some people are glad Hansen and Schlep are calling attention to a serious problem, while others question if their tactics might interfere with official police work. Some critics worry about possible “vigilante justice” that could get in the way of legal cases down the line.
This isn’t the first time Roblox has come under the microscope. Previous reports by media outlets have flagged issues of abuse, exploitation, and even labor concerns on the platform. The company has also been hit with lawsuits and public campaigns about both predatory risks and claims of taking advantage of young game developers.
Chris Hansen’s involvement has pushed Roblox’s moderation challenges into the mainstream, and this could have an impact on safety rules for other gaming platforms too.
