As of July 17, 2025, Roblox has released Roblox Age Estimation, a big update that makes the platform safer and more open, especially for its rising teen population. This version adds Trusted Connections, better privacy tools, a new age estimation capability, and more parental controls. These modifications were made because people were worried about internet safety, especially for people between the ages of 13 and 17.
LLet’s discuss the changes being made, their significance, and how they might alter the way people engage with Roblox in the future.
“Friends” Become “Connections”
RRoblox is changing the name of its main social feature from “Friends” to “Connections.” This modification indicates that players can engage in a wider range of partnerships, from casual gaming partners to more serious collaborations.
Why the Change?
- This modification promotes the establishment of clearer boundaries between users.
- It promotes safer and more respectful interactions between users.
- TThis feature is particularly beneficial for players who often play together but do not consider each other as real-life friends.
Mixed Reactions
But not everyone has been pleased with the upgrade. Many people have said that the word “connections” seems too professional, like LinkedIn instead of a gaming site. EEven if circumstances have changed, many players still claim that they will refer to each other as “friends.”
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Introducing “Trusted Connections” for Teens
TTrusted Connections is the most important new feature, and it is available only for individuals aged 13 and older. This approach lets kids talk to one another more freely, but only with people they have added using verified ways like Contact Importer or QR code scanning.
Key Benefits:
- Party Voice on Roblox: Real-time voice chats with trusted users in group settings.
- Chat Without Filters: More open communication, with fewer automatic message blocks (Roblox’s community standards still apply).
Safety First: Age-Based Access Rules
| User Age | Can I add trusted connections? | Access to Party Voice & Unfiltered Chat |
|---|---|---|
| Under 13 | No | No |
| 13–17 | Yes (via QR or contact import) | Yes (with other verified users) |
| 18+ | Yes | Auto-enabled for 1:1 chats with other 18+ users |
Notably, 18+ users must use secure, real-world methods to connect with teens (aged 13–17), adding an extra layer of safety and reducing inappropriate interactions.
Roblox’s Age Estimation Technology
Roblox is adding age estimation technologies to support these new features. Users can now guess their age by taking a short selfie-style video wIt utilizes AI-powered technologyoad papers or save photographs.
How It Works:
- Uses AI-powIt is specifically designed to enable age-appropriate features such asification partner.
- Designed to unlock The system alwayspropriate features like Trusted Connections and Party Voice.
- Always defaults to the youngest estimated age
This technique isn’t required, but it could encourage other sites to improve their age verification standards. Roblox’s method gets rid of the “we can’t tell their age” excuse that many other sites use to evade harsher safety restrictions.
Enhanced Privacy Tools for Users
Roblox is giving teens more control over their experience with new privacy and well-being tools:
New features include:
- Online Status Controls: Choose who can see when you’re online (connections, followers, no one, or everyone).
- Do Not Disturb Mode: Mute push notifications during study, sleep, or break time.
- Screen-Time Insights: See how much time you spend on Roblox and where, with daily time limits available.
Upgraded Parental Controls for Teens
Previously, Roblox’s parental tools mainly focused on users under 13. Now, parents of teens also get visibility into their child’s Roblox activity.
What Parents Can See:
- Who their teen is connected with (both Connections and Trusted Connections).
- Time spent in games and which games are played most.
- Notifications for high spending or in-app purchase alerts.
Parents can link their account to their child’s Roblox profile for real-time oversight, creating a more transparent and safer digital environment.
Final Thoughts: A Safer Roblox for the Next Generation
The Roblox July 2025 update is a big step in finding a balance between fun, freedom, and safety online. Features like Trusted Connections, Party Voice, and AI-powered age estimates are meant to give kids more autonomy while providing parents and users more control.
Some of the modifications, like the “Connections” rebranding, have caused some controversy, but the overall goal is clear: Roblox wants to be the leader in online safety and responsible digital interaction.