UAE dad and mom warned about youngsters’ gaming as Roblox banned in 3 Gulf nations

Experts within the UAE are cautioning dad and mom to watch out when their youngsters play on-line video games like Roblox, asking them to take “just 10 minutes” to make these platforms safer. Many are calling for enforcement of closing dates and added layers of safety to make sure that younger avid gamers stay protected.

“Through in-game chats and forums, kids are exposed to a wide range of threats,” stated a spokesperson for cybersecurity firm Kaspersky. The foremost risks embody cyberbullying and harassment, the place youngsters might encounter offensive conduct and verbal abuse. Children may also be uncovered to inappropriate content material, together with violent, graphic, or age-inappropriate materials shared inside video games or boards.”

Last week, Kuwait joined an inventory of different nations in banning Roblox. The nation’s Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority said that the short-term ban was enforced after deeming its contents too harmful for youngsters’s security. In current instances, Qatar, Oman, China and Turkey have additionally regulated the net gaming platform.

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According to Laura Tristram, Co-Founder of AI wellbeing and psychological well being assist platform Lumii.me, it takes “just ten minutes” to make on-line video games safer. “Switch to a child account, add age filter, install a PIN on spending, have friends‑only chat, and activate 2 factor authentication,” she stated. “Hide real names and photos and pick a neutral gamertag. That’s safety, not secrecy.” 

Risks of gaming

Gaming dependancy is more and more being recognised as an actual psychological well being problem, stated Dr Shaju George, Specialist Psychiatrist at International Modern Hospital Dubai. “Symptoms include preoccupation with gaming, withdrawal symptoms, and neglect of responsibilities,” he stated. “There are reports of extreme cases among children such as skipping school, deteriorating hygiene, and obsessive behaviour around online games like Minecraft, Roblox, and Fortnite.

According to Laura, the biggest risk isn’t the online games itself; it is who could reach children through it. “They can get random direct messages, open voice chat, and feel pressure to join the private server of other players,” she stated. “Grooming follows a script — flattery, secrecy, moving to private apps, then asking for photos. It is important to teach children that if it feels off, it most probably is.”

Last week, the American state of Louisiana sued Roblox, accusing the gaming platform of offering an surroundings the place sexual predators can thrive and referred to as it the “perfect place for pedophiles.”

Another danger in on-line video games is that of cybersecurity. According to Kaspersky’s newest findings, between April 2024 and March 2025, there have been greater than 19 million tried assaults exploiting the names of well-liked Gen Z video games, focusing on greater than 400,000 distinctive customers.

“In March 2025 alone, attackers attempted nearly 1.8 million attacks, demonstrating how gaming trends continue to be exploited to reach young users,” stated the spokesperson.

Warning indicators

Laura stated there have been a number of warning indicators that folks ought to look out for. “Be alert to the ‘older friend’ who gives gifts, asks for secrets, or pushes chats off‑platform,” she stated. “Unexplained charges, VPN apps, or excuses like ‘my account was stolen’ means it’s time to check security and spending. Late‑night, secretive play with slipping grades isn’t just a phase; it’s a signal your child needs support.”

She additionally added that it was essential to set easy rhythms — homework first, no gaming after bedtime, and household time stays display screen‑free. “Write a one‑page family gaming plan — what’s OK, what’s not, and calm consequences you’ll actually keep,” she stated.  

Dr Shaju stated that discussing on-line dangers brazenly and involving youngsters in setting privateness guidelines was essential to construct belief. “Talk about scams, digital privacy, and the concept of virtual currencies having real-world value,” he stated. “Also use moderation tools and reporting systems.”

He additionally cautioned them to look out for warning indicators together with spending growing quantities of time gaming at the price of college, hygiene, or social life, emotional misery when not gaming, secrecy or mendacity about gaming habits or on-line interactions and withdrawal from social actions.

Nasreen Abdulla

Nasreen Abdulla is a Special Correspondent protecting meals, tech and human curiosity tales. When not challenged by deadlines, you’ll discover her pulling off submissions on the jiu jitsu mats.