Families are concerned about the impact of virtual reality (VR) on children's development, and they're urging for more research-based information. A recent study reveals that parents are particularly interested in understanding how VR technologies may influence brain and behavioral development. Families also prioritize physical activity features over educational content in VR. The research, conducted by Qiao Jin and colleagues, involved analyzing interview data from 67 children and 55 adult guardians, followed by a focus group discussion. One key finding was that families wanted more information regarding brain and behavioral development, as they believe it's foundational to a child's learning and social skills. Families also emphasized the importance of safety controls to detect bullying or harassment on VR platforms, rather than relying solely on parental oversight. Interestingly, physical activity was prioritized over other features, with guardians expressing concerns about children's health and activity levels. The study also explored family views on responsibility for addressing VR concerns, suggesting a model where tech companies, universities, and public institutions collaborate to ensure children's well-being. The paper, 'We Care More About What It Does: Priorities and Responsibilities in VR for Children and Families', will be presented at the IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces, highlighting the need for further research to address families' concerns.
