By Kerry Gallagher
Extended reality (XR)—which includes virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and the broader “metaverse”—is quickly evolving. For now, most minors are curious but not yet active users. According to Thorn, 67% of kids have heard the term “metaverse,” but only 23% have actually explored it. This gap is an opportunity: we can make XR safer before adoption among youth becomes widespread. Here is why this matters:
- Early risks are already visible: Exposure to graphic or violent content, sexually abusive interactions, and moderation challenges.
- XR feels more “real” than traditional apps: Harmful encounters can be more intense and harder for teens to process.
Developers and manufacturers hold a major responsibility to design safeguards into these technologies from the start. That means building strong parental controls, effective reporting tools, and real-time moderation systems that don’t lag behind user behavior. It also means being transparent about how data is collected and used, especially with younger audiences.
What parents and caregivers can do now:
- Talk early: Set expectations before your child starts using XR platforms.
- Normalize reporting: Let kids know it’s safe to tell you (or the platform) if something feels wrong.
- Build critical thinking: Encourage teens to question what they see and experience in digital spaces.
- Model balance: Show healthy online/offline habits they can follow.
As costs decline and XR technologies become more accessible, adoption will accelerate. By making child safety a priority now, we can make it more likely that the next frontier of digital connection is one where young people can explore, learn, and play without unnecessary risk.