VR Use Should be Minutes, Not Hours. New Study on Kids and Virtual Reality Advises Parents, Educators.
It’s an interesting time for parents and researchers alike. “When it comes to VR, we just don’t know all that much,” writes Jeremy Bailenson, a co-author of the study “Virtual Reality 101: What You Need to Know About Kids and VR,” in a preface to the results.
Founder of the Virtual Human Interaction Lab at Stanford University, Bailenson admits to uncertainty about what’s appropriate for his own children, ages three and six, in terms of media use. He struggles with how close is too close to sit by the TV. Add VR, “and we find ourselves in a foreign landscape,” concludes Bailenson.
MINUTES, NOT HOURS
While further research is needed, the report from Common Sense, a nonprofit focused on kids’ media and tech use, offers guidance on VR use based on what we know thus far.
Given the intensity of the experience and the particular effectiveness of the illusion of VR on children, moderation is recommended. “Instead of hours of use, think in terms of minutes,” counsels Bailenson. “VR is meant to be done on the five- to 10-minute scale.”
See the full story here: https://www.slj.com/2018/04/industry-news/vr-use-minutes-not-hours-new-study-kids-virtual-reality-advises-parents-educators/