MARK Zuckerberg’s Meta is continuing work on its metaverse and is adding new virtual reality safety features.
The Meta’s Quest VR headset is getting some new parental controls that should help an adult control how their child uses the metaverse.
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The parental controls can only be used if a child has an account that is linked to their parents.
Parents should be able to control things like who their child talks to and what kind of apps they can use.
They’ll also be able to block content they don’t approve of.
Vaishnavi J, Meta’s head of youth wellbeing, said: “We’re adding in more in-app interventions to encourage teens to have more positive experiences online with a diversity of content.
“And to also just be more mindful about the time that they’re spending online.”
The move comes as concerns over the metaverses’ effect on children have been growing among experts.
In a recent white paper, Common Sense Media revealed potential risks for children using the metaverse.
The organization noted the physiological dangers that the metaverse can induce such as nausea, eye strain, and other forms of “cybersickness” among kids.
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The company said kids’ privacy may be violated via a collection of nonverbal data such as facial and eye movements.
There’s also concern over unsavory characters taking advantage of the anonymity of the metaverse.
Studies have shown that many users have experienced sexual harassment on VR platforms – 36% of males and 49% of females, to be specific.
A recent report by a journalist posing as a 13-year-old in the metaverse revealed the woman received rape threats and abuse.
