Meta Introduces VR Social Interaction for Kids Aged 10-12 with Parental Approval
Meta has announced a significant update that will allow children aged 10 to 12 to interact with others in virtual reality (VR), provided they have parental consent. Previously, children in this age group were restricted from chatting or engaging with other users on the Quest platform.
New Features for Parental Control
The upcoming update will enable parents to add approved contacts for their children, allowing these young users to chat, call, and join VR experiences with these contacts. This move is aimed at ensuring that children can explore VR in a controlled and safe environment.
Parents will have the ability to manage these contacts through a Following and Followers list, with options to add or remove contacts as necessary. Children can also request new contacts, which parents can approve or decline.
Strategic Goals and Safety Concerns
By introducing VR to younger users, Meta aims to familiarize them with the technology early on, potentially fostering long-term engagement. This strategy could also position Meta more favorably against popular platforms like Roblox and Microsoft’s Minecraft, which have substantial followings among young users.
In 2022, Meta lowered the recommended age for using its Quest headset from 13 to 10, subsequently launching parent-managed accounts to provide age-appropriate VR experiences for this younger demographic.
However, the introduction of VR to children comes with its share of concerns. VR is a relatively new technology, and the potential risks associated with its use, particularly for children, are not fully understood. This has raised alarms among parents, child rights groups, and researchers.
Regulatory and Legislative Context
Meta’s decision to incorporate social features for children on the Quest platform aligns with broader regulatory pressures. Congress has been intensifying its scrutiny of social media companies, including Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat, urging them to implement stronger protections for children on their platforms.
This new feature by Meta reflects a careful balance between innovation and safety, aiming to expand the VR user base while addressing the safety concerns that come with exposing younger audiences to immersive technologies.
