“Addictive, manipulative, and financially exploitative.” Roblox is getting sued by a 12-year-old from Kamloops, B.C., over features and gameplay elements. The civil claim, filed in B.C. Supreme Court, seeks certification of a class-action lawsuit against Roblox and its Canadian arm.

The claim argues that Roblox’s use of microtransactions, chance-based rewards, and endless engagement mechanics has led to serious concerns, including anxiety, depression, and compulsive behaviours in young players. None of the allegations has been proven in court. However, if certified, the case could allow other Canadian families to join the lawsuit.

According to the lawsuit, the child, identified as D.J., has been playing Roblox since the age of five or six. D.J. now spends around two hours a day on the game and has purchased between $300 to $500 worth of Robux, Roblox’s in-game currency. The lawsuit also proposes representing minors who paid for Roblox Premium, a membership that offers extra perks.

Why This Matters for Parents and Teens

Roblox is one of the most popular games in the world, especially among kids. For many, it’s creative and social, but experts warn of real risks:

  • Privacy issues
  • Harmful language and toxic behaviour
  • Exposure to online predators

Recently, the state of Louisiana filed a lawsuit against Roblox, accusing the platform of failing to protect children from exploitation and allowing harmful content to spread. “Roblox is overrun with harmful content and child predators because it prioritizes user growth, revenue, and profits over child safety,” Louisiana attorney general Liz Murrill said in a statement.

With Roblox’s popularity showing no signs of slowing down, parents and teens need to stay informed about the potential risks associated with the platform.

Mental Health and Gaming Disorder

“We’ve obviously had people who’ve been detrimentally impacted by gambling, and so these games themselves resemble aspects of that, and so that’s where parents have to take a leading step forward,” said Jesse Miller, social media expert with mediatedreality.com.

The World Health Organization (WHO) now recognizes gaming disorder as a mental health condition. It’s defined by:​

  • Losing control over gaming
  • Prioritizing it over daily life
  • Continuing to play despite negative effects

Studies show this affects only a small proportion of gamers, but experts warn that kids’ brains are especially vulnerable to addictive mechanics.

Online gaming vs. gambling

“My daughter wants to spend $400 of her money on a Roblox skin,” said a concerned mother on Reddit.

Child gambling is another growing concern, with many young people engaging in gambling activities that can lead to addiction and emotional issues. Online gambling and gaming are no different from one another.

Just like a slot machine, games with in-app purchases like skins or loot boxes hijack our attention and trigger dopamine rewards. This keeps players hooked and spending money almost compulsively.

Role of Dopamine:

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that drives motivation, pleasure, and reinforcement. It reinforces addictive behaviors, making players chase the next reward.

Simple strategies to reduce this effect:

  • Limit notifications: turn off non-essential alerts so you’re not constantly pulled back in.
  • Set time limits: use built-in screen timers to control how long you play or scroll.
  • Take breaks: step away from screens every hour to reset your brain.
  • Replace with other rewards: go for a walk, listen to music, or do something creative to get a healthier dopamine boost.
  • Turn your phone display to grayscale or black-and-white.
  • Reduce bright, stimulating colors that fuel dopamine-driven gaming habits.

Studies now show that dopamine primarily generates another feeling: desire. “Dopamine makes you want things,” said Anne-Noël Samaha, a Neuroscientist at the University of Montreal. “A surge of dopamine in your brain makes you seek out something.”

What Parents Can Do

  1. Stay engaged and aware: Take time to learn how Roblox works. Ask your child to show you the games they play, who they interact with, and what Robux purchases mean.
  2. Set boundaries: Create clear rules around screen time and in-game spending. Many parents find it helpful to use parental controls or pre-paid gift cards instead of linking credit cards directly
  3. Talk openly: Encourage conversations about online behaviour, peer pressure, and how to handle inappropriate content. Teens especially benefit from knowing they can come to you without judgment.
  4. Use Roblox’s safety tools: The platform includes parental controls such as account restrictions, spending limits, and chat filters. Make sure they’re turned on and updated.

If you’re worried about how gaming may be affecting your child’s mental health or safety, here are resources that can help:

  • Kids Help Phone (Canada): kidshelpphone.ca – 24/7 support for kids, teens, and parents.
  • WHO – Gaming Disorder: who.int – information on symptoms, risk, and treatment options.
  • Internet Matters – Roblox Parent Guide: internetmatters.org – step-by-step safety tips for parents.
  • Roblox Safety Center: corp.roblox.com/safety – official parental controls, safety tools, and privacy settings.

What Teens Should Know

  • Understand microtransactions – Games like Roblox are designed to keep you spending small amounts that add up over time. Be mindful of how much you’re really spending.
  • Recognize signs of overuse – If the game starts to feel less fun and more like an obligation, or if it’s cutting into sleep, schoolwork, or social life, that’s a red flag.
  • Protect your privacy – Never share personal details with strangers online, no matter how friendly they seem.
  • Speak up – If something online makes you uncomfortable, talk to a parent, guardian, or trusted adult right away.

Why awareness matters

The lawsuit in B.C. highlights growing concerns about the impact of gaming platforms on children and teens. Whether or not the case succeeds, it sends a clear message: awareness is key. By staying involved, setting limits, and having honest conversations, families can help kids enjoy games like Roblox safely, without falling into harmful patterns.