Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has announced that it will be lowering the minimum age requirement for its Quest VR headsets from 13 to 10 years old. The company says that the change is being made to make VR more accessible to younger users, and that it will be accompanied by new parent-managed account features that will allow parents to control what their children can access on the headsets.
The new parent-managed account features will include the ability to set time limits, block certain apps and games, and view their child’s VR activity. Meta says that the features will be available in the coming weeks.
The company’s decision to lower the minimum age requirement for its Quest VR headsets has been met with mixed reactions. Some have welcomed the change, saying that it will make VR more accessible to a wider range of users. Others have expressed concerns about the potential risks of exposing younger users to VR, such as the possibility of eye strain or addiction.
Meta has said that it has taken steps to address these concerns, such as by developing new safety features and by working with experts to develop age-appropriate content for VR. However, it remains to be seen whether these measures will be enough to allay the concerns of some parents.
Overall, Meta’s decision to lower the minimum age requirement for its Quest VR headsets is a significant development in the VR industry. It remains to be seen how the change will be received by consumers, but it is likely to have a major impact on the future of VR.
Parental Controls
The new parental controls for the Quest headsets include the following features:
- Time limits: Parents can set daily time limits for their children’s VR use.
- App and game blocking: Parents can block specific apps and games from their children’s access.
- Activity view: Parents can view their child’s VR activity, including the amount of time they’ve spent using VR, the apps and games they’ve used, and the websites they’ve visited.
Safety Concerns
There have been some safety concerns raised about VR headsets, particularly for children. Some experts have expressed concern that VR could lead to eye strain, motion sickness, and other health problems. Others have expressed concern that VR could be used to expose children to inappropriate content.
Meta says that it has taken steps to address these concerns. The company says that the Quest headsets have been designed to be safe for children to use. The headsets also have built-in features that can help prevent children from being exposed to inappropriate content.
Conclusion
Meta’s decision to lower the minimum age for its Quest VR headsets is a significant change. The company is betting that there is a large market for VR headsets among children. However, Meta will need to continue to work with parents and experts to ensure that VR is a safe and positive experience for children.