Children are participating in digital demonstrations in support of Palestine on Roblox consequent to the Israel-Hamas conflict, with one demonstration zone already garnering over 275,000 visitors. Footage from some social media platforms and livestreams of at least one event indicates that the players are marching down virtual streets that are adorned with Palestinian banners and signs that read "Unity with Palestine". According to the updated statistics from Roblox, more than four out of ten gamers are aged 12 or below, and 60% of users are sixteen or younger.
Children are taking part in pro-Palestine protests on Roblox amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas, with one virtual rally already being accessed more than 275,000 times. Videos of the event have featured insocial media, and show people marching on simulated brick roads accompanied by Palestinian flags and signs reading “Solidarity Untukmu Palestine”, which translates from Malay as “Solidarity for you Palestine” according to Google Translate. This follows Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s condemnation of Israel’s air strikes in the Gaza Strip. Roblox reported to CNBC that the 275,000 visits may include multiple visits from the same user. At the protest, people were presented with the option to show their support by raising a Palestinian, Malaysian or no flag.
Roblox’s data from December 2022 indicates that 45% of users are 12 years old and under, with 60% aged 16 or younger. Comments seen by CNBC indicate that parents say their children are involved or planning to take part. Roblox commented that the demonstration seen in viral videos is one of many pro-Palestine protests seen on the platform, with all in violation of the company’s standards banning content supporting violence, terrorism or a specific political party. If detected, the company states they will take swift action against those individuals.
The exchanges of fire between Israel and Hamas have already claimed the lives of over 1,400 Israelis, and more than 6,600 people in Gaza and the West Bank, according to figures from regional health ministries.
Comments