For many parents, the smartphone has quietly become a second parent, keeping children occupied, entertained and connected, but also opening doors to a digital world they cannot always see or control. Behind the games, chats and endless scrolling lies a growing concern: what happens when screen time begins to shape a child’s behaviour, relationships and sense of safety?
Across Kenyan homes, parents are confronting the difficult reality of children spending hours online, forming relationships with strangers and encountering content far beyond their years. For some, the warning signs are already visible, children becoming agitated when asked to put down their phones, sneaking games onto devices, neglecting schoolwork and chores, or spending money simply to remain online.
One platform increasingly at the centre of these concerns is Roblox, a popular online gaming platform that allows users to create, play and interact with others.
A growing number of parents are concerned over risks their children get exposed to while on Roblox. The apprehension stems from compulsive addictive play to direct contact with predatory strangers.
Some parents are disturbed that children spend long hours on phones, cyber cafes, some even stealing money just to go and play the game.
