Meta’s Quest 3 VR Headsets – risks for kids and teens

In today’s digital age, virtual reality (VR) is becoming increasingly popular among people of all ages. With the release of Meta’s newest VR headset, the Quest 3, the company has taken significant steps to appeal to younger audiences, particularly children aged 10 to 12. However, concerns have been raised regarding the safety and appropriateness of VR content for children. In this article, we will explore the findings of the Trouble in Toyland report, which tested Meta’s Quest 3 VR headset and its kids accounts for ages 10 to 12.

Increased Parental Controls, but Still Falling Short

While Meta has introduced kids accounts for the Quest 3 headset, which increase parental controls, these accounts still fail to address some pressing problems. One of the primary concerns is the accessibility of inappropriate content. Despite the introduction of kids accounts, researchers have found that it is still easy for minors to access inappropriately violent or sexually graphic spaces when using Quest headsets.

Lowering Age Limits: A Cause for Concern

Meta has taken multiple steps to get more kids using its Quest headsets, despite concerns raised by child health experts and lawmakers. In April 2023, Meta announced it was lowering the age for Horizon Worlds – Meta’s primary VR social app – from 18 down to 13. Then, two months later, Meta announced it was lowering the recommended age for its headsets from 13 down to 10. This decision has raised questions about the company’s commitment to child safety in virtual reality.

Easy Access to Disturbing Content

Researchers have repeatedly found that it is easy for minors to access inappropriately violent or sexually graphic spaces when using Quest headsets. Even content that is rated as appropriate for 10-year-olds can be disturbing. PIRG researchers tested Rec Room, an app that is rated “E for Everyone ages 10 and up” and currently one of the most popular apps available in Meta’s Quest app store. They found that the app quickly recommended a game of Russian Roulette with real players, which led to a player shooting himself in the head in front of a virtual 10-year-old.

Popular Apps Hosting Explicit Content

Some of the most popular apps available on Quest headsets can host sexually graphic content. A BBC News researcher using VRChat – a prominent app on Meta’s app store with a minimum age rating of 13 – posed as a 13-year-old girl and was able to access virtual strip clubs and explicit rooms where players simulated sex.

Large Multiplayer Worlds: A Challenge for Safety

Some of the most popular apps – including Rec Room, VRChat, and Meta’s own Horizon Worlds – are large multiplayer worlds where anonymous users create their own games and players interact with one another continuously, across all ages. This presents a significant challenge for ensuring the safety and appropriateness of content for children using these platforms.

Conclusion

The findings of the Trouble in Toyland report raise serious concerns about the safety and appropriateness of VR content for children using Meta’s Quest 3 headset. While Meta has introduced kids accounts with increased parental controls, these measures do not appear to be sufficient in addressing the issue of inappropriate content. It is essential for companies like Meta to prioritize child safety in virtual reality and take proactive steps to ensure that their products are age-appropriate and do not expose children to potentially traumatizing or inappropriate experiences.

https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/vr-risks-for-kids/

https://fairplayforkids.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/HorizonLetter.pdf

https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/16/tech/meta-quest-headsets-lowering-minimum-age/index.html

https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-60415317

https://counterhate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Horizon-Worlds-Exposed_CCDH_0323.pdf