The mother of a 15-year-old boy from California is suing Roblox and Discord after her son took his life. She argues that these platforms allowed her son, Ethan Dallas, to be groomed by an adult who pressured him into sending explicit images.
In her lawsuit, Rebecca Dallas claims that both companies operated in a reckless manner that led to her son’s exploitation and tragic end. Ethan loved gaming and began using Roblox at age 9, with parental controls set up by his parents. However, by age 12, he came into contact with a predator posing as a peer. This seemingly innocent interaction quickly turned sexual, pushing Ethan to disable parental controls and move their chats to Discord, where the demands for explicit content grew.
The situation escalated. The man threatened to share the photos, and out of fear, Ethan complied. Sadly, he died by suicide in April 2024 at just 15 years old.
The lawsuit states that Roblox and Discord are liable for wrongful death and negligence. It suggests that had the companies implemented proper user screening and safety measures, this tragedy could have been avoided. The complaint highlights that both platforms create an environment where children are at risk, lacking adequate protections against predators.
Roblox, which has around 111 million monthly users, promotes itself as a safe platform, but critics argue that its lack of stringent age verification enables young users to access harmful content easily. Discord, launched in 2015, is also criticized for not verifying ages, making it easy for predators to target children.
Following Ethan’s death, it was revealed that the man who exploited him had been previously arrested for similar offenses with other children through these apps. This has raised serious concerns about safety on platforms widely used by children.
Both Roblox and Discord have stated their commitment to safety. Roblox claims to have numerous safety features and to work with law enforcement to combat online exploitation. Discord also emphasizes its dedication to safety but acknowledges challenges in preventing harmful content.
This lawsuit isn’t an isolated incident. There have been other legal actions against these companies, with allegations that they failed to protect children from predators. The National Center on Sexual Exploitation even included both platforms in a recent report, expressing concern over their safety measures.
For context, the technology landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. Apps designed for gaming and communication have become a staple among kids, but many parents may not be aware of the potential dangers. A 2023 NBC News investigation revealed numerous cases where adults were charged with crimes against minors after using platforms like Discord.
In light of this recent case, many parents are reevaluating the safety of online platforms their children use. Conversations around digital safety and mental health are more crucial than ever, as families navigate these challenging issues.
Rebecca Dallas is seeking compensatory damages and a jury trial. Her heartbreaking story serves as a reminder of the urgent need for stricter safety protocols on platforms that cater to children.
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. You can reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for assistance.
