Why is Playstation VR not for under 12?

Playstation VR is not recommended for children under the age of 12 because young children’s eyesight is still developing, and using VR headsets can cause eye strain, discomfort, headaches, and nausea due to the erroneous perceived display caused by the difference in interocular distance. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and pediatric optometrists warn that children under 12 should not use VR headsets as it can lead to adverse effects on their visual development and overall health.

Understanding the Risks

The Playstation VR manual explicitly states that the headset is not designed for children under the age of 12, and parents should exercise caution when allowing their children to use VR technology. Research suggests that prolonged use of VR headsets can lead to eye problems, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, particularly in children whose eyes are still developing.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

1. What happens if a child under 12 uses Playstation VR? Using Playstation VR can cause eye strain, discomfort, headaches, and nausea in children under 12 due to the erroneous perceived display caused by the difference in interocular distance.
2. Is VR bad for kids with ADHD? VR can be beneficial for children with ADHD as it provides an immersive environment that can sustain their attention and offer a higher level of stimulation.
3. Can VR damage a child’s eyes? VR headsets can cause eye damage in children if used for prolonged periods, particularly in children under 12 whose eyes are still developing.
4. Is Oculus OK for an 11-year-old? Oculus recommends its headsets for children aged 13 and above, and parents should exercise caution when allowing their 11-year-old children to use VR technology.
5. Why does VR say 13 and up? VR manufacturers recommend their headsets for children aged 13 and above due to the potential risks associated with eye strain, discomfort, and adverse effects on visual development.
6. Can a 7-year-old play Playstation VR? Playstation VR is not recommended for children under the age of 12, and parents should not allow their 7-year-old children to use the headset.
7. Is Playstation VR safe for eyes? Playstation VR can cause eye strain if used for prolonged periods, and parents should exercise caution when allowing their children to use the headset.
8. What happens if you use VR under 12? Using VR under the age of 12 can cause eye strain, discomfort, headaches, and nausea due to the erroneous perceived display caused by the difference in interocular distance.
9. Does VR worsen eyesight? There is a potential risk of myopia progression associated with prolonged screen time, including VR usage, but no known long-term eye development effects have been found.
10. Does VR track your eyes? VR eye tracking involves studying users’ eye movements and behavior within virtual reality to understand visual attention, cognitive processes, and user experiences.
11. Is VR safe for kids’ brains? Young brains are physically elastic and developing, and children risk brain damage if they wear a virtual reality headset for extended periods.
12. Is VR bad for autism? VR can be beneficial for children with autism as it provides an immersive environment that can help them understand and interact with their surroundings.
13. Can VR help autism? VR can be used for learning and evaluation of children, adolescents, and adults on the autism spectrum, and has been shown to be effective in improving social skills and reducing anxiety.
14. Is VR bad for 4-year-olds? Research suggests that VR may not have a meaningful adverse effect on visuomotor function in children aged 4-10, but parents should still exercise caution when introducing VR technology to their young children.
15. What is the legal age to play VR? Manufacturers often recommend VR headsets for children aged 13 and above, but there is no legal age limit for VR usage, and parents should exercise caution when allowing their children to use VR technology.