Can virtual reality glasses cause harm in 10-year-old children? This is what the experts say

A post on meta’s blog did not go unnoticed after the presentation of the Meta Quest 3: the new virtual reality glasses could be used by 10-year-old children, which raised a series of doubts about the correct use of this device with minors.

“Starting later this year, parents will be able to set up parent-managed Meta accounts for Meta Quest 2 and 3 for their 10-12 year olds.”says the post, since it ensures that the device can be used by the whole family.

READ ALSO: Virtual reality glasses: Meta seeks to lower the recommended minimum age to children of 10 years

Can these glasses affect children’s eyes? Are they exposed to more Internet dangers? How can they be used correctly? Given the series of doubts that the use of these glasses aroused, we consulted specialists.

The first thing is that it is not a new technology. There are already several types of glasses on the market, of different prices, qualities and functions, which are even used by minors, although today the glasses presented by Meta and Apple point to a more immersive experience.

This is the Meta Quest 3 virtual reality headset, which Meta introduced a few days ago. It ensures that it can be used by the whole family. (Photo: meta.com)

indicated Mariano Taipe, president of the Peruvian Association of Electronic Sports and Video Games (APDEV).

Given the series of divided opinions, in communication with Trade explained that the new usually generates fear. Unlike augmented reality, virtual reality already uses glasses, sensors on the hands and feet, which can take you to a digital universe where you can have different experiences. But the goal is not just recreational.

These are the new Vision Pro virtual reality glasses, introduced by Apple this month. (Photo: apple.com)

In large industries: medical, military, aerospace, professionals prepare with simulators that are video games. It allows you to make a mistake because in real life if you make a mistake, the consequence would be fatal.”indicated Taipe, as if to understand how virtual reality glasses have been used, which are even in schools.

READ ALSO: The UN will ask companies and countries to reach a consensus to regulate artificial intelligence

eye health

Can it affect children’s eyesight? Juan Alberto Dios, an ophthalmologist at Clínica Internacional, told this newspaper that it is a relatively new issue. There is more research around the use of tablets, computers and other devices.

When boys use a lot, it can generate a myopization issue, but we are talking about a long time”commented the specialist, from a medical point of view.

This situation occurs when the lens of the eye is affected, a structure that works like the zoom of a camera. When the sight is directed to distant objects, the muscle that moves the lens is at rest; but when an object is kept close for several hours, the muscle contracts and makes the crystalline lens not focus from afar, the world becomes closer, it is myopia.

One of the effects of glasses, like any other device (computer, tablet, cell phone), is myopia. It is a subject yet to be investigated. (Photo: pexles.com)

“So, if it happens that when a child or a young person is using a lot of equipment that involves near vision, be it a book, a tablet, a computer, be it any game tool, including these screens, it can increase the risk of myopia”said Juan Alberto Dios. But it is not an effect of the glasses.

On the other hand, there is also another issue that has to do with balance, “because as there is a movement, it can generate a kind of vertigo: there are people who have greater sensitivity and that can generate anxiety”.

READ ALSO: Google will bring ‘online’ video games to YouTube for users of any device

Online Gambling Dangers

Meta’s proposal brought several edges. One of them is the exposure of children to the dangers of network games. But, according to the post, “There are a wide variety of engaging and educational apps, games and more on our platform, most of which are rated for ages 10+”.

For Mariano Taipe, this point is related to education, trust and how the situation is at home, since a 10-year-old child has all the ability to create an account and notice that if he gets older, he would have more access. more benefits. It already depends on how the parents control that.

Although it is true we cannot keep them away from the devices, it is always good to dose the use of certain electronic devices”indicated.

That is, the key is in the dosage and communication with the children. And it is about the future. Virtual reality and immersive experiences will be more common for the next generations.

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On the content control side, Mariano Taipe explained that if it is about video games, there is the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), a rating system based on the content of physical or verbal violence and other elements such as sexual content: it can be recognized the symbols for the public, children of 10 years, adolescents or adults, among others. “This classification is not restrictive, it is simply informative, and in the end the consumer is the one who decides what to buy for his son”, indicated. Consult the classification guide HERE.

recommendations

New technologies may be scary, but they can also be seen in a different way. For Taipe, . That is why we consult for some recommendations that parents can follow in front of these new devices.

Source: Elcomercio