Psychological, educational, and family experts have confirmed that the game “Roblox” has recently raised concerns due to its direct and growing danger to children and adolescents. They pointed out the necessity of decisive actions similar to countries that have banned the game. The open nature of the game allows children to interact with unknown users worldwide, increasing the likelihood of being lured or exposed to content inappropriate to Bahraini societal values, including incitement to violence and suicide. Immersion in such games may cause behavioral and psychological problems in children, negatively affecting their concentration and academic achievement, as well as having a broader societal impact. Experts called for awareness campaigns for families and schools, emphasizing that child protection begins within the family, with parental supervision being the first line of defense. Regular monitoring of children’s digital activities allows early intervention upon any signs of danger.

They noted that the ban adopted by many countries is an important step to ensure a safe and balanced digital environment for future generations, urging Bahrain to join these countries, alongside working on digital security legislation and forming national plans combining education, awareness, and providing safe alternatives.

Psychological and family specialist Nada Naseem said that Roblox has recently caused unprecedented concern due to its direct and growing threat to children and adolescents, as well as its threat to mental health. The game allows users to design their own games and interact with others in diverse virtual worlds, increasing the likelihood of exploitation and sexual harassment of minors, especially given some families’ lack of awareness or loss of control over their children’s platform use.

She added that luring groups who play continuously, almost to the point of addiction to virtual communication pleasure, is a dangerous indicator of the likelihood of children facing severe risks, including:

– Enhancing suicidal tendencies.

– Exposure to inappropriate sexual content.

– Exploitation by fraudsters and predators.

– Increased risk of self-harm accompanied by feelings of fear and isolation.

– Neglect of academic and daily tasks, increased problems of distraction and weak concentration.

She added that some countries have taken early steps to ban the game or amend laws to protect children and adolescents and limit expected disasters, calling for similar steps in Bahrain to protect children from these risks and preserve family and society from behavioral depletion and severe consequences resulting from this game.

Family and educational counseling specialist Abdullah Darwish said the negative impact of electronic games and social media on children and adolescents is a lived reality, and therefore supervision over children on all levels regarding what they watch or play must be enhanced.

He added that the decision to ban the game will have positive effects in the short and long term. In the short term, banning the game will stop its negative impact such as addiction and protect children from sexual exploitation. In the long term, this decision will encourage game companies to provide a safe environment for children to avoid losses due to the ban.

Social researcher Issa Hussein confirmed that the game has clear harms on the minds and behavior of children and adolescents. He said the problem is not only that it is a harmful game but also its damage to the way the younger generation thinks, behaves, and their values. He added that leaving the problem without action or supervision will force us in the future to fix problems that could have been stopped from the start.

He pointed out that the role of concerned authorities is very important through monitoring games and applications, listening to the concerns of families, society, and schools, taking decisions once the danger is confirmed, and protecting children, their future, and values.