Meta Authorizes Preteens to Enter Horizon Worlds with Parental Consent

Meta is setting the stage for a new venture into virtual reality for preteens, allowing youngsters, under carefully set boundaries, to delve into Horizon Worlds. With accounts managed by their parents, children aged 10 to 12 are now permitted to explore various VR experiences, though with specific limitations designed to keep them secure.

The tech giant recently disclosed plans for parents to have the authority to approve which age-appropriate VR worlds their kids can access. This includes thrilling adventures like hanging out on The Space Station, navigating through The Aquarium, and racing in the Spy School game. Kids can put forward requests for the worlds they want to explore, or parents can comb through the options and choose the experiences they find suitable.

Meta has stepped up its game in terms of safety, establishing a new rating system that categorizes VR spaces into 10+, 13+, or 18+ categories, helping parents decide at a glance which worlds are accessible for their children. This structure means parents can easily unlock all 10+ rated adventures while making sure 18+ content remains undisclosed to younger users. Furthermore, the platform eliminates follower suggestions, keeping preteens’ online statuses hidden by default unless a parent decides otherwise.

Besides, the “Personal Boundary” feature remains permanently active, ensuring avatars maintain a bubble of two virtual feet around them, effectively preventing others from encroaching on their personal space.

This move aligns with Meta’s earlier update, which allows parents to approve friends their kids can chat with and invite into their VR world. Additionally, a recent change requires any user of a Meta Quest 2 or 3 headset to confirm their birthday before they can dive into the virtual realm.

Parent-managed accounts tailored for preteens hit the scene in June 2023. However, these enhancements might not ease the minds of all guardians, given the brewing concern that Meta is falling short in safeguarding this young audience on its platforms.

Meta’s reputation took a hit earlier after internal documents from a lawsuit filed by the New Mexico Department of Justice revealed that the company targeted underage users with its messaging services, knowing full well about inappropriate exchanges happening between adults and minors. On top of that, another lawsuit, brought by attorneys from 42 U.S. states, accuses Meta of intentionally making its products enticing to children, adversely affecting their mental health.