Virtual reality offers an innovative and sophisticated way to experience virtual landscapes in a revolutionary 3-dimensional format. Since its emergence, virtual reality has become increasingly popular across the world, in particular, within the gaming community, with many avid gamers turning to virtual reality to enhance their gaming experience.
Due to the digital nature of virtual reality, many young people, children included, have been enamored by the concept. Even more so, educational facilities have begun to use virtual reality as a way to complement the learning of students across the world.
Whilst virtual reality seems like a fantastic option to enhance many aspects of the learning journey by capturing the attention of children, how safe is VR for children?
In this article, we will explore virtual reality in more detail, discover the risk factors of using virtual reality and outline methods to ensure a child’s safety whilst using it.
School for Modern Skills strives for academic success along with an inspirational learning journey based on the values of technology, innovation, and creativity. We strongly believe each child can reach their full potential through technology-led learning. For more information on our school, get in touch with us today.
What is Virtual Reality?
Converting computer-generated environments into a 3-dimensional format, virtual reality pushes the boundaries of augmented reality by accommodating an immersive and interactive experience for its users.
By wearing a headset or using a smartphone or tablet device, virtual reality users can delve into a digital universe. Some common uses for virtual reality include:
- Gaming and entertainment
- Medical purposes
- Education
- Architecture and engineering
- Tourism
- Art and culture
The uses of virtual reality are multiplying at a rapid rate, with more and more industries taking the step toward the new digital age of virtual reality and its endless possibilities. Whether it’s used practically within an organization, or for gaming and leisure purposes, virtual reality paves the way as the future of the digital space.
What are the Risks of Children Using Virtual Reality?
From an immersive gaming experience surrounded by friends to a spell-binding walkthrough of ancient ruins, virtual reality has the power to take us anywhere in the world. The fun and excitement of such innovative technology have made an impact on children by piquing their curiosity and starting a new craze of gaming and entertainment. However, the digital nature of virtual reality brings about many risks too.
The Risk of Eye Strain
Prolonged use of virtual reality can have a major impact on the eyes, resulting in significant eye strain. Eye strain at any age can be troublesome, but as a child, it can cause lasting issues such as sight damage and eye pain. As a result of eye strain, the child may suffer blurred vision resulting in a need to wear glasses if they don’t already.
The Risk of Physical Injury
More so than other forms of digital gaming, the use of virtual reality headsets does set a risk of physical injury to the user and those around them at the time of use. Whilst wearing the virtual reality headset, the child cannot accurately see their surroundings, and due to the immersive nature, the use of virtual reality can augment the user’s spatial awareness.
Games that require physical movement and interaction, could cause the child to trip or walk into stationary objects in the room resulting in injuries from bumps or falls.
Potential Decline in Mental Wellbeing
Virtual reality has been designed with total immersion in mind, resulting in an ultra-realistic experience that can at times confuse users. Especially with child users, where their brains are still developing, virtual reality can make it challenging to decipher real from fake. As a result, children run the risk of declining mental well-being in the form of anxiety and isolation.
Moreover, prolonged use of virtual reality can become incredibly addictive, which may cause young people to isolate themselves to accommodate more time to play with virtual reality software instead of social interaction with friends and family.
Exposure to Harmful Content
It can be difficult to completely control what a child consumes while using VR. In many scenarios, virtual reality can increase exposure to content of a violent nature along with explicit language and content suited to those over certain age boundaries.
Sharing Private Information Online
Due to the nature of the digital space, it can become easy to divulge information online, this can include private details such as name, address, and other sensitive information. In the case of children, it becomes even more of a safety risk. By sharing sensitive and private information online, there is a potential for children to put themselves at risk.
What is the Age Limit to Use Virtual Reality?
Typically, the minimum age limit for virtual reality to be used is twelve to thirteen years of age. This age limit was implemented by developers to protect younger children from the risks of wearing a virtual reality headset- this includes physical factors such as head and neck strain. However, it is advised that children under the age threshold aren’t ruled out from using virtual reality headsets as long as they are supervised and usage is monitored closely.
Moreover, for young people using virtual reality, it is essential to monitor the age limit of games and materials that are being consumed. For example, some games will have age limits of 12+, 15+, and 18+. This is usually because they contain sensitive content such as explicit language and violence.
How Can Children Be Kept Safe When Using VR
While there are many risks to children using virtual reality software, it does not necessarily mean that they should be prevented from using it altogether. With the correct precautions taken, children can still enjoy the benefit of virtual reality with minimized risks.
- Usage should be limited– in order to minimize the risk of eye strain and the risk of addiction to virtual reality, usage should be limited accordingly to a daily or weekly intake.
- Supervision will be required– for children to access virtual reality safely and decrease the risk of physical injury, they should be supervised when using it at all times.
- Encourage them to socialize– becoming dependent on gaming material such as virtual reality can be isolating for young people. To minimize this risk, children should be encouraged to socialize regularly with their friends and family so their perception of reality does not become augmented by the use of virtual reality software.
- Promote internet safety– most gaming platforms these days allow access to the internet with integrated chat and voice features to communicate with fellow gamers. It can be easy to become exposed to inappropriate material online and be encouraged to share personal information, to attempt to avoid this, children should be educated thoroughly on online safety.
How can Virtual Reality Be Used in an Educational Setting?
Virtual reality is fast becoming popular within the educational sector, opening doors for young people to virtually experience different types of subject matter from the comfort of the classroom. The innovative technology of virtual reality can be used in conjunction with modern teaching methods to provide an inclusive and modern learning experience.
Teachers can introduce children to virtual reality in a safe and controlled environment where they can reap the benefits whilst remaining safe.
In Summary
Virtual reality does pose a number of risks to children when being used, however, with the correct precautions, children can still enjoy virtual reality usage both at home and in an educational setting.
It has been known that VR headsets can cause eye strain, along with head and neck pain, however, this type of scenario can be prevented by limiting exposure to virtual reality software. As a guardian, teacher or parent of a child, it is your responsibility to ensure that your child is using virtual reality software safely to minimize the risks.
School for Modern Skills
Located in Dubai, the School for Modern Skills offers innovative education with two awards from EduTeach commending us on our dedication to education. We pride ourselves on a series of accolades including:
- Excellent academic facilities
- Sports activities
- Transportation
- Medical Care
- Robotics programs
- An onsite I Hub
- A keen interest in artificial intelligence, including a partnership with local universities
- A full sustainability program
For more information on our school and what we do, reach out to our team today to learn more about our enrolment process.
