Meta Enables Preteens to Access Horizon Worlds with Parental Consent

Meta is opening up its Horizon Worlds virtual reality platform to younger audiences, allowing kids under parent-managed accounts to experience this online universe, albeit with a set of boundaries.

The tech giant has revealed that parents will soon have the opportunity to approve certain virtual environments for their preteens, those between the ages of 10 and 12. Some of the intriguing places on the list include The Space Station, The Aquarium, and a thrilling Spy School racing game. Children can express their interest in exploring specific worlds, or parents can proactively choose which ones to authorize.

To enhance safety, Meta has introduced a new rating guide indicating if a VR world is suitable for younger users with categories like 10+, 13+, or 18+. This makes things simpler for parents, who can swiftly approve all 10+ rated worlds simultaneously, while content rated 18+ won’t even be visible to the younger users. Furthermore, there will be no follower suggestions, and by default, preteens will show up as “offline”—unless parents decide otherwise.

Moreover, a “Personal Boundary” feature is locked at all times, ensuring that avatars maintain a buffer zone of about two virtual feet to avert any overly close interactions.

This recent development is part of Meta’s broader strategy to tighten control over interactions within VR platforms. They’ve introduced options for parents to approve who their children can communicate with and invite into VR spaces. Plus, new prompts require Meta Quest 2 or 3 headset users to confirm their birth date before diving into VR.

Parent-controlled accounts for preteens have been on offer since June 2023. Yet, despite Meta’s efforts to bolster safety, apprehension remains among parents, partially due to the company’s checkered history regarding the safety of younger users in its online hubs.

Earlier in the year, it came to light that Meta had been promoting its messaging services to young users despite being aware of the exchange of inappropriate content between adults and children. This was highlighted in a lawsuit by the New Mexico Department of Justice. Additionally, another lawsuit from 42 U.S. state attorneys points a finger at Meta, accusing them of crafting products that intentionally draw in children, a move that could adversely affect their mental health.