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Meta is opening up a new world of possibilities for preteens through its Horizon Worlds virtual reality platform. With parent-managed accounts, kids between the ages of 10 to 12 can now dive into various VR experiences while adhering to certain guidelines.
In a recent announcement, Meta revealed that it is rolling out features allowing parents to handpick virtual worlds suitable for their kids. These options include dynamic settings like The Space Station, The Aquarium, and the thrilling Spy School racing game. Preteens can either request to explore specific worlds, or parents can personally select which ones their children can experience.
To enhance safety, Meta has introduced several protective measures. A key feature is the rating system, which categorizes VR worlds into 10+, 13+, or 18+. This system enables parents to approve all 10+ rated worlds in one go, ensuring that 18+ worlds are hidden from younger users. Preteens will not receive follower suggestions, and their online status defaults to “offline,” unless parents decide to change this setting.
Moreover, avatars come equipped with a “Personal Boundary” feature, establishing a two-foot virtual buffer zone to keep unwanted interactions at bay.
This latest update aligns with Meta’s earlier decision to let parents manage their children’s VR contacts, allowing them to approve who their kids talk to or invite along for virtual adventures. Additionally, Meta now prompts users of Quest 2 or 3 headsets to verify their birth date before hopping into VR.
Parent-managed accounts for preteens have been a feature since June 2023. Despite these security improvements, skepticism lingers among some parents about how effectively Meta safeguards younger users, especially given past allegations about the company’s safety protocols.
Concerns extend back to accusations made earlier in the year when Meta was implicated in deliberately marketing its messaging platforms to minors. Internal documents from a legal case lodged by the New Mexico Department of Justice highlighted instances of inappropriate interactions involving underage users. Furthermore, 42 state attorneys in the U.S. have filed a lawsuit against Meta, alleging the company designs its products to captivate children, with potential repercussions on their mental health.
