Whether it be on online forums, social media, or even video games, children’s data is being collected, misused, and exploited across online platforms, often without their knowledge or consent.
For example, on the popular online video game “Roblox”, it is very easy to lie about your age and use fake IDs to pass the AI verification that “Roblox” implements. This is important as in “Roblox”, the developers implemented an age group system where users have to be in the same age range to speak to each other.
The age ranges can range from very young, under 13, to ages above 18. However, people could lie about being older or younger than their real age. This means that adults can interact with children posing as their peers. Where children are more inclined to message their peers, this could bait them into giving private information out.
New York Times/Wirecutter
Alongside this, on social media, many children use public accounts and post pictures of their experiences and of themselves. In elementary school, phone and computer access in 2026 is very common. It seems that every few years, access to personal devices in elementary school has become increasingly more common. Companies recognize this and target these groups of children for advertising in various forms of media.
CNBC recently published an article based on this issue. They explain how Meta – which owns Facebook and Instagram – is being questioned. The complaints are based on the fact that on these applications, there are various cases of sexual misconduct of minors, the sharing of personal information between adults and minors, and how companies are withholding this information. This is not just in the large companies or concentrated in the United States; it is a global problem that has been associated with online media since its inception.
To fight this issue, the first step is to raise awareness. Many older people do not know of the harm that the internet could bring to them or to the younger generations of their family. It is the duty of those who already know about the issue to raise awareness. This will cause companies to finally acknowledge their mistakes publicly and take action against them.
Ruben Sim/YOUTUBE
On the topic of “Roblox”, a YouTuber named Ruben Sim has consistently pushed for the Roblox Development team to take action against child pedophilia on their websites. His persistence has resulted in multiple bans from the platform alongside action from the legal team. But even through all the rough conditions he has been through, it has caused “Roblox” to finally address its problems. Even though the new system is not close to what is needed, the platform is doing something rather than nothing.
This relates to other platforms and forms of media online. It is very important that you are able to inform others about this issue in the online communities you are engaged in. Whether it be on online book clubs, video games, or social media, any awareness is appreciated and crucial to combating this issue.