Google and Roblox have announced a collaboration that aims to merge the realms of play and internet safety through a new gaming experience designed to educate young Roblox players on navigating the internet securely.
The initiative, named Be Internet Awesome World, is part of Google’s Be Internet Awesome program. It introduces young users to a vibrant, imaginative world populated by “Internauts.” These characters assist players in engaging with real-world scenarios and understanding online risks. This safety curriculum is a reimagining of existing concepts and has been developed in partnership with organizations including the Family Online Safety Institute, the Internet KeepSafe Coalition, and Connect Safely.
According to Google, Roblox is one of the leading online gaming platforms, boasting over 79.5 million daily active users. The collaboration with Roblox enables Google to impart essential online safety knowledge to children within a platform they frequently use.
Within the various in-world games, players navigate through forests and desert castles, learning critical safety tips and acquiring skills related to internet safety topics such as identifying phishing attempts and practicing digital citizenship.
Google’s approach of using gaming for educational purposes aligns with its broader efforts to combat ongoing online threats to young people. In August, the company announced a $10 million Teen Mental Health Initiative and has previously rolled out AI literacy resources for teens. These initiatives are in response to increasing concerns about the impact of harmful online behavior and digital technologies on children’s wellbeing.
