Why Chris Hansen Is Investigating Roblox
Chris Hansen, the journalist famous for To Catch a Predator, has turned his attention to Roblox, a gaming platform loved by millions of kids. His investigation, announced in August 2025, aims to uncover serious child safety issues. Roblox, a place where users create and play games, has faced growing scrutiny for its handling of predators. Let’s dive into why this is happening and what it means for the platform’s future.
The Roblox Child Safety Crisis
Roblox is a massive platform, with over 85 million daily active users, nearly half of whom are under 16. Its appeal lies in its user-generated games, which range from adventure to social hangouts. But this freedom comes with risks. Reports have surfaced about predators using Roblox to groom children, sometimes leading to real-world harm. For example, a 2024 Bloomberg report noted that U.S. police arrested around two dozen people since 2018 for crimes linked to Roblox, including abduction and abuse.
Schlep’s Role in Exposing Predators
A key figure in this controversy is Michael Schlep, a YouTuber who has been catching predators on Roblox. His videos, which have millions of views, led to six arrests. Schlep, a former victim of grooming on the platform, worked with groups like Predator Poachers to expose inappropriate behavior. However, Roblox banned him in 2025, citing “vigilantism” and claiming his actions created an unsafe environment. This sparked the viral #FreeSchlep movement, with many accusing Roblox of silencing critics instead of addressing the problem.
Legal Troubles and Public Backlash
Roblox’s troubles don’t stop with Schlep. In August 2025, Louisiana’s Attorney General filed a lawsuit against the platform, alleging it prioritizes profits over child safety. The suit claims Roblox’s lax moderation allows harmful content, like games titled “Escape to Epstein Island” or “Public Bathroom Simulator Vibe.” Public reaction has been intense, with a petition to remove Roblox CEO David Baszucki gaining over 94,000 signatures. Here’s a quick look at the key issues fueling the backlash:
- Insufficient Moderation: Roblox has only about 3,000 moderators for 85 million users.
- Inappropriate Content: Games with explicit themes slip through the cracks.
- Predator Activity: Reports of grooming and real-world crimes linked to Roblox.
- Corporate Response: Bans and legal threats against whistleblowers like Schlep.
Chris Hansen’s Documentary Plan
Hansen announced his investigation on social media, stating he’s working with law enforcement, victims, and Schlep. His documentary, set to air on his TruBlu streaming service, will likely focus on Roblox’s alleged failures to protect kids and its treatment of whistleblowers. While details are scarce, Hansen’s track record suggests he’ll dig deep, interviewing victims and exposing systemic issues. His involvement has already amplified the controversy, putting more pressure on Roblox to act.
What Roblox Is Doing About It
In response to the backlash, Roblox introduced new safety measures in August 2025. These include blocking users under 17 from private “social hangouts” like virtual bedrooms or bathrooms, where inappropriate behavior often occurs. CEO David Baszucki also released a video addressing the concerns, though it received more downvotes than upvotes on YouTube. Critics argue these changes are too little, too late, especially given Roblox’s massive scale and long-standing issues.
FAQs
Why is Chris Hansen investigating Roblox?
Hansen is looking into claims of child exploitation on Roblox, focusing on the platform’s failure to protect young users from predators.
Who is Schlep, and why was he banned?
Schlep is a YouTuber who exposed predators on Roblox, leading to six arrests. Roblox banned him for “vigilantism,” claiming his actions violated their terms.
What safety measures has Roblox implemented?
Roblox has restricted users under 17 from private social spaces and claims to work closely with law enforcement, reporting over 20,000 cases to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in 2024.
Is Roblox safe for kids to play?
While Roblox has safety features, its large user base and limited moderation make it risky. Parents should monitor their kids’ activity and use parental controls.
When will Chris Hansen’s documentary be released?
No official release date has been announced, but Hansen confirmed the project in August 2025, and it will air on his TruBlu streaming service.
Why is Roblox facing lawsuits?
Louisiana’s Attorney General sued Roblox in 2025, alleging it enables child exploitation by prioritizing growth over safety.
Conclusion
Chris Hansen’s investigation into Roblox shines a spotlight on a platform that’s become a cultural giant but also a target for criticism. With lawsuits, bans, and public outcry, Roblox faces a pivotal moment. Hansen’s documentary could push the company to make real changes, but only time will tell if it’s enough to keep kids safe. For now, parents and players should stay informed and cautious while enjoying Roblox’s creative world.