Feeling Like You've Lost Your Child to Roblox? Here's What to Do.

A guide for parents who are worried about their child's gaming habits, written with empathy and practical advice that actually works.

By The ManageScreenTime Team |

Key Takeaways for Worried Parents

  • This is about balance, not banning. Your goal isn't to punish, but to help them build a healthier relationship with gaming.
  • Connect screen time to the real world. Our favorite method is having kids earn their screen time through chores and homework.
  • Talk about it, don't just lay down the law. Explain *why* you're making changes. It helps them feel respected and understood.
  • Consistency is your best friend. A predictable system reduces arguments and helps new, healthier habits stick.

If you've found yourself thinking, "I think my child is addicted to Roblox," please know you're not being dramatic, and you are definitely not alone. We've heard this from so many parents. The world of Roblox is designed to pull you in, but it's scary when you feel like it's pulling your child away from everything else. This guide is here to help you understand what's going on and give you a clear, compassionate plan forward.

Is It a Healthy Hobby or Something More?

A passion for a hobby is wonderful, but it becomes a problem when it starts causing real-world harm. Here are the five big signs we tell parents to watch for:

  1. They've lost interest in everything else: Are they constantly turning down things they used to love, like playing outside or seeing friends, just to play Roblox?
  2. School and home life are suffering: Are you seeing grades slip, chores ignored, and homework forgotten?
  3. They're being sneaky about it: Have you caught them lying about how long they've been playing or hiding in their room to get more screen time?
  4. The meltdowns are extreme: We're not talking about simple disappointment. Think intense anger, anxiety, or full-blown tantrums when it's time to log off.
  5. They're using it to hide: Does it seem like they dive into Roblox to avoid feeling sad, stressed, or dealing with a problem at school or home?

Your 7-Day Plan to Get Your Child Back

Suddenly banning Roblox can feel like a punishment and often makes things worse. A better way is to create a clear, fair system where screen time is earned. Here’s how to begin:

Day 1: Have a Real Conversation

Find a calm moment to talk. Start by saying you love watching them have fun, but you're worried they're missing out on other parts of life. Frame this as a new plan to help them balance their time, not a punishment. Introduce the idea of "earning" their Roblox time.

Days 2-3: Create the System Together

Work with your child to create a simple list of daily and weekly responsibilities (we call them "quests"). Assign a point value to each one. Then, decide together how many points an hour of Roblox time costs. When they have a say in the system, they're much more likely to buy into it.

Days 4-7: Put It Into Practice

This is where consistency is key. Track their points on a whiteboard or a shared note. When they want to play, they "cash in" their points. If they don't have enough, the answer is a calm, "Not right now, but you can earn more by doing [chore]." The first few days might be tough, but stick with it. The predictability of the system is what ends the fighting.

This Isn't a Quick Fix, It's a New Habit

This approach does more than just limit screen time—it teaches responsibility, delayed gratification, and the value of contribution. It takes the emotion out of the daily power struggle and gives your child a sense of control over their own time. You're not just taking away a game; you're giving them the tools to build a more balanced life. And you can do this.