“Virtual coins in exchange for sexual images”: how to support minors in Roblox, Fortnite and Minecraft

Lately, news has appeared that puts us on alert: some minors have been pressured to send sexual images in exchange for virtual coins in games like Roblox, Fortnite and even on some Minecraft servers.

😟 This is not a distant risk. Chats, interactions and rewards within these games can become a pathway for grooming or manipulation.

What we need to know as families:

Video games can be fun, but they also hide risks that minors do not know how to recognize or manage on their own. That is why, as adults, our role is to accompany them in an active and constant way.

Roblox and some Minecraft servers can be spaces for creativity and socialization, but only if an adult is present. This means always being with them while they play, taking an interest in what they do, asking how they interact and who they talk to. It is not about controlling every detail, but about accompanying and guiding them, playing with them from time to time so that they understand what is safe and what is not.

In addition, it is important to set time limits. These games are very addictive, and excessive use can affect sleep, mood and family relationships. That is why playing occasionally and under supervision is key.

Fortnite, on the other hand, is not an appropriate space for minors. The combination of violence, open chats and competitive dynamics generates stress and risky situations. Although it is popular among adolescents, for younger children it is too unsafe.

💰 Virtual coins in games

Many times, risks appear through internal reward systems:

Roblox → Robux: to buy skins, accessories or improvements within the game.

Fortnite → V-Bucks: to unlock skins, battle passes and other items.

Minecraft → internal coins on some servers: to acquire items or advantages in the game.

The problem arises when these virtual coins are used to pressure minors to send sexual images or do something they should not do. That is why it is essential to talk with them about what is safe and what is not, to explain that no one should ask them for photos or favors in exchange for rewards, and to ALWAYS be present while they play in order to detect any warning signs.

The problem appears when these coins are used to pressure the minor to send inappropriate content.

What to do as a family:

🎮 Play alongside them ALWAYS!!!!: Get to know how they move around, what games they use, what they do in chats.

💬 Have regular conversations: Talk about virtual friendships if you play together with them, as well as ask who their friends are in the games and how they relate to them, especially if they have been playing without our supervision until now. It is also important to know what they like and what makes them uncomfortable, in order to strengthen our bond and support.

🔐 Set up privacy and chat settings: Adjust contact limits and what they can receive or send.

🛡️ Talk about grooming and risks in a simple way: Explain what to do if someone asks them for photos or suggests uncomfortable things.

👀 Watch for warning signs: Changes in mood, anxiety, avoidance of conversations about the game.

Practical checklist:

✔️ 🎮 Have you ever played Roblox or Minecraft together, to see how they move and what they do?

✔️ 💬 Do you know who your child talks to and who they play with online?

✔️ 🚫 Have you talked about not sending images and what to do if someone asks for them through chats, etc.?

✔️ 🔐 Have you checked privacy settings and chats to make sure they are safe?

✔️ ⏱️ Do you have clear screen time limits and rules for using games and the virtual world?

In short, accompanying their digital world is NOT optional. Only through dialogue, supervision and active support can we protect them and teach them to enjoy these environments safely.

📖 For more advice, I share this practical guide for families:👉

https://www.educacionafectivosexual.com/en/post/from-the-screen-to-the-real-world-a-guide-for-families-in-the-boom-of-minecraft-and-fortnite