Meta Grants Preteens Access to Horizon Worlds with Parental Consent

Meta has taken a significant step by allowing kids, under parental guidance, to dive into its VR universe, Horizon Worlds. However, these young adventurers will have a few rules to follow.

They’ve introduced a feature where parents can handpick VR experiences they find suitable for their little ones, aged between 10 and 12. Imagine your kids hanging out in The Space Station or marveling at an underwater world in The Aquarium. There’s also the thrilling Spy School racing game to spark their imagination. Kids can send requests for specific worlds they want to explore, or parents can cherry-pick options they favor.

Safety is central to Meta’s new approach. They’ve rolled out a rating system: 10+, 13+, and 18+. This ensures parents can easily choose experiences fitting for their children. Worlds meant for 18+ are off-limits for preteens automatically. Moreover, things like friend suggestions are off the table, and preteens’ presence is set to invisible by default, unless adjusted by parents.

They’ve also locked the “Personal Boundary” feature in place. This neat feature grants each avatar a protective bubble of two virtual feet, keeping unwanted closeness at bay.

These updates come on the heels of a few notable changes: Parents can now specifically approve who their child can chat with and invite into these virtual adventures. Plus, device users are required to confirm their age, reinforcing Meta’s commitment to safety.

Parent-managed accounts for this age group have been on offer since June 2023, expanding the scope of parental control in the virtual life of young users.

Naturally, even with these precautions, some parents remain skeptical. Meta’s track record hasn’t been spotless. Concerns linger over the company’s ability to shield this demographic, with past allegations pointing fingers at its safety shortcomings.

Earlier this year, internal documents revealed troubling strategies. Meta appeared to be actively promoting its messaging platforms to minors, despite being aware of inappropriate interactions between adults and children. A lawsuit initiated by the New Mexico Department of Justice brought this to light, while a broader case filed by attorneys from 42 U.S. states accused Meta of purposefully crafting their offerings to captivate children, raising alarms about potential mental health impacts.

As Meta marches forward, these developments indicate a keen interest in balancing immersive experiences with safety for its youngest users. Yet, only time will tell if these changes can win the parents’ trust.