When Gaming Platforms Fail: Protecting Children Beyond Social Media

This week I’ve watched with concern as international headlines reported major lawsuits against Roblox and Discord. The allegation? That these platforms failed to protect a 13-year-old boy from being groomed by a predator.

As a parent, it’s chilling. And in Australia, it’s timely. We are about to enforce new laws banning children under 16 from having social media accounts. But here’s the catch: gaming platforms and private chat servers like Roblox and Discord aren’t covered under these laws. Which raises an important question — should they be?

What Parents Should Do in NSW

If something like this were to happen here, these are the immediate steps:

1. Remove your child from the platform
   
   • Change account passwords, delete or deactivate accounts where possible.
   • Ensure your child has no further contact with the offender.
     
     
2. Preserve all evidence
   
   • Take screenshots of all messages, usernames, and timestamps.
   • Store files securely — don’t rely on the platform to keep them.
     
     
3. Report to NSW Police
   
   • If your child is in immediate danger, call 000.
   • Otherwise, attend your local station or contact the NSW Police Cybercrime Unit.
     
     
4. File a complaint with the eSafety Commissioner
   
   • Visit esafety.gov.au to report cyber abuse or grooming.
   • The Commissioner has strong powers to demand takedowns and engage with platforms.
     
     
5. Report the user to the platform
   
   • Use in-platform safety portals to request bans and ensure data preservation for investigation.
     
     
6. Seek legal advice
   
   • In NSW, there may be civil avenues if platforms fail their duty of care.
   • Family law orders can also assist where parents disagree on platform access.
     
     
7. Access support services
   
   • Kids Helpline (1800 551 800) for child support.
   • 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) if sexual abuse has occurred.
   • Engage with school counsellors or private psychologists for ongoing care.

Final Thought

The risks to children online don’t start and end with social media. Gaming platforms and messaging servers are just as dangerous. While Australia’s new laws are an important step forward, overseas cases show that regulation still has a long way to go.

The best protection for children remains prevention and restricted access. As parents, staying alert and proactive is key to safeguarding their online world.