Some high school students recently swapped their smartphones for basic "brick" phones — the kind with no social media or apps, just texting, calling, and the classic game Snake.
The three-week experiment offered a preview of what life might look like once the UK's proposed ban on social media for under-16s takes effect next year. Calls to limit young people's social media use have been building for years, as critics argue some app features are designed to keep users scrolling. Some young people spend up to 20 hours a day on screens, which can affect sleep and time for schoolwork. Many students — along with their parents or carers — say they're struggling to manage screen time.
Feedback from the students was mixed. Some missed chatting with friends online and keeping up with trends. Others found they spent more time outdoors or with family and friends in person. Many said they didn't end up missing screen time as much as they expected.
Roblox has exploded into one of the most popular gaming platforms in the world, especially for kids ages 8–12. What started as a small company has grown into a massive online universe with more than 40 million user-created games and experiences — from obstacle courses and role-playing worlds to fashion shows and virtual adventures. In fact, Roblox now has more monthly users than Nintendo Switch and Sony PlayStation combined.
But with its huge popularity comes growing controversy. Critics say that because almost anyone can create a game on the platform, some content may not always be appropriate for younger users. That has raised questions from parents and safety experts about how well kids are protected online.
Roblox co-founder and CEO Dave Baszucki says the company takes safety seriously and has “no tolerance” for inappropriate content. The platform has introduced new protections, including limits on messaging for users under 13. Still, reports show that some kids can sometimes find ways around age restrictions, which keeps the debate going.
Baszucki also says millions of users are having positive, creative experiences on Roblox every day — and reminds parents that they ultimately decide whether it’s the right platform for their children.
Some high school students recently swapped their smartphones for basic "brick" phones — the kind with no social media or apps, just texting, calling, and the classic game Snake.
The three-week experiment offered a preview of what life might look like once the UK's proposed ban on social media for under-16s takes effect next year. Calls to limit young people's social media use have been building for years, as critics argue some app features are designed to keep users scrolling. Some young people spend up to 20 hours a day on screens, which can affect sleep and time for schoolwork. Many students — along with their parents or carers — say they're struggling to manage screen time.
Feedback from the students was mixed. Some missed chatting with friends online and keeping up with trends. Others found they spent more time outdoors or with family and friends in person. Many said they didn't end up missing screen time as much as they expected.
Roblox has exploded into one of the most popular gaming platforms in the world, especially for kids ages 8–12. What started as a small company has grown into a massive online universe with more than 40 million user-created games and experiences — from obstacle courses and role-playing worlds to fashion shows and virtual adventures. In fact, Roblox now has more monthly users than Nintendo Switch and Sony PlayStation combined.
But with its huge popularity comes growing controversy. Critics say that because almost anyone can create a game on the platform, some content may not always be appropriate for younger users. That has raised questions from parents and safety experts about how well kids are protected online.
Roblox co-founder and CEO Dave Baszucki says the company takes safety seriously and has “no tolerance” for inappropriate content. The platform has introduced new protections, including limits on messaging for users under 13. Still, reports show that some kids can sometimes find ways around age restrictions, which keeps the debate going.
Baszucki also says millions of users are having positive, creative experiences on Roblox every day — and reminds parents that they ultimately decide whether it’s the right platform for their children.