Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has recently announced that it has lowered the minimum age requirement for virtual reality (VR) users to 10 years old. This move is a significant shift from the previous age requirement of 13 years old, which was in line with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the United States.
The decision to lower the age requirement for VR users is a response to the growing popularity of VR technology and the increasing demand for immersive experiences among younger audiences. Meta believes that VR can be a powerful tool for education, entertainment, and social interaction, and wants to make it more accessible to children.
However, the decision has also raised concerns about the potential risks and challenges associated with VR use among children. Some experts argue that VR can have negative effects on children’s physical and mental health, such as eye strain, motion sickness, and disorientation. There are also concerns about the impact of VR on children’s social and emotional development, as well as their privacy and safety online.
To address these concerns, Meta has implemented several measures to ensure that VR use among children is safe and appropriate. For example, it has developed a set of safety guidelines for parents and caregivers, which include recommendations on how to set up and use VR devices safely, as well as how to monitor children’s VR activities.
Meta has also introduced a new feature called “Supervised Accounts,” which allows parents to create accounts for their children and control their VR experiences. With Supervised Accounts, parents can set limits on the amount of time their children spend in VR, restrict access to certain apps and content, and monitor their children’s activity in VR.
In addition, Meta has partnered with Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization that provides education and resources on digital media and technology for families and educators. Together, they have developed a set of educational resources for parents and educators on how to use VR safely and responsibly.
Overall, Meta’s decision to lower the minimum age requirement for VR users is a significant step towards making VR more accessible to children. However, it is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the potential risks and challenges associated with VR use among children, and to take appropriate measures to ensure their safety and well-being. With the right guidance and support, VR can be a valuable tool for children’s learning, creativity, and social interaction.
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- Source: Plato Data Intelligence.