Virtual Reality for kids: Parent's guide

VR headsets are growing in popularity among children, enough that Meta lowered its recommended minimum age from 13 to 10.

Benefits of VR for Children

Virtual Reality isn’t just for games; it also has educational and therapeutic uses for kids. Immersive experiences can make learning more engaging.​

In healthcare, doctors use VR to distract children from pain and reduce anxiety during procedures,​ and some therapists use VR to help kids with autism practice social skills​.

Risks of VR for Children

On the downside, Virtual Reality can pose physical and psychological risks for younger users. Physically, children may get eyestrain from focusing on a close-up screen, and some report dizziness or nausea after VR sessions.

VR headsets are also not built for kids’ smaller bodies — the headset’s weight can strain a child’s neck. Psychologically, immersive VR means scary or violent content can feel more intense for kids.

Meeting strangers in multiplayer VR is another concern, and experts say the long-term effects on developing brains are unknown. Moderation is important to avoid excessive Virtual Reality use.

Safety VR Tips for Parents

To help kids enjoy VR safely, consider these tips:

• Follow age guidelines: Ensure your child is at least the recommended age (usually 12+) before using Virtual Reality​;
• Supervise play: Watch children during VR use and keep the play area clear of obstacles to prevent accidents​;
• Set time limits: Limit Virtual Reality sessions to avoid eye strain and motion sickness. Encourage regular breaks during play​;
• Monitor content: Stick to age-appropriate VR apps.​ Use parental controls and teach kids not to interact with or share info with strangers in VR.

With these precautions, kids can enjoy Virtual Reality’s benefits while minimizing the risks.