Navigating the new Virtual Reality for concerned parents
Worrying about the safety of your child is not only normal - it's instinctive. Activities that appear innocent now expose themselves as potential risks, quickly becoming unwelcome threats in the eyes of a loving parent. Although protective instincts are exceptionally normal and healthy, we are expected to loosen this grip as our children enter their teenage years. Social and general life skills develop during puberty, and disrupting this process can prove detrimental to a child. As millennial parents, we’re even more cautious about avoiding the continuation of generational trauma. With unsolicited parenting advice, and the unavoidable guilt that it brings - where do we draw the line?
In an ever-changing world, letting go has become increasingly difficult for parents. We feel an overwhelming responsibility to keep our children safe. Suicide rates have increased, pandemics have contributed to feelings of depression and isolation, and don’t even mention online abuse, freak accidents outside our control, and threats of abductions.
Now, we’re not here to give you a list of all the possible threats that lurk online, you’re probably well-versed already. We’re simply here to shine a light on something that as a parent, you need to be aware of.
While online activity has been the norm for almost 20 years, the premise of accessible Virtual Reality is relatively new. We have no instinctive knowledge and experience in this developing realm and will need to navigate it simultaneously with our progressive, tech-minded youth. While we are no strangers to scrolling, the arrival of the Metaverse has added another potential threat. Can we protect our children from online dangers without invading their privacy?
Immersive. The keyword used in most marketing material for Meta. Virtual. Another word used when referring to Mark Zuckerberg's online creation of a socially explorative online experience. What is the Metaverse? How will it affect the online safety of day-to-day users, and more importantly, how can we keep our youth safe from predatory online attacks?
Firstly, let's talk about the concept. The Metaverse is an augmented 3D reality that heightens social connection in a sociologically struggling world. Social media and rapid technological advancements have subtly altered how humans socialize. The premise of online social interaction is no new concept, but how we will be doing it is. Recovering from a global pandemic that isolated many, we welcome a new world that will allow us to interact on platforms that can physically protect us without leading to damaging loneliness and isolation. It could be a transformative step in the right direction. But with this, we need to face a host of complications. Cyber threats, cyberbullying, harassment, trafficking, and even virtual rape become threats when exploring the possibility of roaming the Metaverse.
Why should parents be worried?
While all individuals face exposure to online privacy breaches, socially explorative pre-teens and teens are especially vulnerable. Being socially curious is second nature to teenagers, and they can now entertain this trait by having access to the world at their fingertips. Literally. This has opened the world up for them at a swift and sophisticated pace, but we would be remiss not to be concerned at the gateways of dangers it presents.
There is no singular way to gain access to the Metaverse. Children can access the Metaverse via online platforms like Minecraft and Roblox, equally popular platforms in their own right Fresh off the heat of a global pandemic, parents tend to find themselves encouraging their children to socialize, even if it is online and possibly unmonitored. The Metaverse has the potential to unleash social intelligence and creativity in a way we are yet to experience or comprehend. Children need stimulation and fun, and the Metaverse has the potential to deliver this in a stress-free and safe environment.
Physical and virtual risks
The threat of the Metaverse can be summed up as this. We just don’t know yet. Teenagers can be exposed to explicit content too early, harming their sexual development by creating unrealistic expectations of sexual relationships, increasing the risk of addiction, and can normalize sexually violent behaviors. Cyberbullying is another serious concern. Kids are already marked as easy targets and harassed by anonymous online profiles. Many studies and real-life scenarios have revealed the devastating consequences of bullying, which can lead to depression, and even suicide. The Metaverse has the potential to become addictive to children because of the release of dopamine, resulting from its immersive and engaging nature.
Physical issues may arise from VR headsets and can lead to short-term health issues like nausea, headaches, and dizziness. Although this is usually temporary, the jury is still out and how long-term unlimited use can affect neurological development.
How do we let go?
After revealing some of the dangers, do we still want to risk exposing our youth? We must remember that allowing teenagers to explore the virtual world creates a situational and controlled band of safety. Unfortunately, this safety band can snap, but we can take steps to keep them safe.
Let’s discuss a few tips on staying safe in the vastly unknown Metaverse.
Start by making it age appropriate
Make sure your children are old enough to use the Metaverse. Kids under thirteen should not have access to their own devices or accounts, and use of the Metaverse should be under strict supervision if they use it at all. Think of it this way. It was Friday night in 1998. Your parents have just rented a few movies from Blockbuster. One is age-appropriate, and the other is set to be viewed once you’re in bed. You beg to stay up an hour later than your bedtime, and they agree - but under supervision. The Metaverse is akin to that movie!
Lay a foundation
Set clear rules for using the Metaverse and reinforce these rules. Boundaries create a safer experience for all users, especially children.
Limit exposure to the Metaverse. Constant interaction releases dopamine which can lead to addiction. Limiting the time spent in the Metaverse can help nurture a healthy online ratio for teens.
Control without being overbearing
Use parental controls as far as possible. Restrict access to avoid interaction with harmful content. If used correctly, parental controls can protect children across digital platforms. Keep in mind: teenagers are likely to rebel against strict enforcement. Instead, use subtle measures and clever diversion tactics to veer them away from the fact that you control what they see. Remember when your parents said no to watching that R-rated movie - and you did it anyway, only this time it was behind their back? You were probably left with more questions than you wanted - but you rebelled because you felt that they were being unreasonable.
Teach them about respect: Become a voice for others and guide your children in acceptable online behavior. Emphasize the importance of being respectful of other users.
What do we think?
As we learn more about the Metaverse, we can assess behaviors and how they can be altered to protect our children constantly, enhancing their safety. Overall, protecting children in the Metaverse is a shared responsibility. If parents keep track of potential dangers and take the necessary measures to keep their kids safe, and we keep big companies accountable, we can ensure a long and prosperous relationship with the new normal of online social interaction.
Kuangalia hali halisi ya watoto kwa wazazi wanaojali: Kuogopa usalama wa mtoto wako sio kawaida tu - ni ya kawaida. Matendo ambayo yanaonekana kuwa yasiyo na hatia sasa hujifunua kuwa hatari zinazowezekana, na upesi kuwa vitisho visivyopendwa machoni pa mzazi mwenye upendo. Ingawa ni kawaida na ni jambo la kawaida kuwa na hisia za kujilinda, tunatazamiwa kupunguza nguvu hizo wakati watoto wetu wanapokuwa matineja. Ujuzi wa kijamii na wa maisha kwa ujumla huendelea wakati wa kubalehe, na kuvuruga utaratibu huo kwaweza kuwa wenye kudhuru mtoto. Kama wazazi wa milenia, sisi ni hata tahadhari zaidi kuhusu kuepuka kuendelea kwa majeraha ya kizazi. Kwa ushauri wa uzazi usioombwa, na hatia isiyoweza kuepukika ambayo huleta - tunatoa wapi mpaka? Katika ulimwengu unaobadilika daima, kuwaachilia watoto wako wamekuwa jambo gumu sana. Tunahisi kuwa na daraka kubwa la kuwaweka watoto wetu salama. Viwango vya kujiua vimeongezeka, magonjwa ya janga yamechangia hisia za kushuka moyo na kutengwa, na hata tusiseme unyanyasaji mtandaoni, ajali za ajabu nje ya udhibiti wetu, na vitisho vya utekaji nyara. Sasa, hatuko hapa kukupa orodha ya vitisho vyote vinavyowezekana ambavyo viko mtandaoni, labda tayari unajua vizuri. Sisi ni hapa tu ili kung'aa mwanga juu ya kitu kwamba kama mzazi, unahitaji kuwa na ufahamu wa. Wakati shughuli za mtandaoni zimekuwa kawaida kwa karibu miaka 20, dhana ya Uhalisi wa Virtual unaopatikana ni mpya. """Hatuna maarifa ya kiasili na uzoefu katika ulimwengu huu unaoendelea na tutahitaji kuendesha wakati huo huo na vijana wetu wa maendeleo, wenye akili ya teknolojia." Wakati sisi si wageni kwa scrolling, kuwasili kwa Metaverse imeongeza tishio jingine uwezekano. Je, tunaweza kuwalinda watoto wetu kutokana na hatari za Intaneti bila kuingilia faragha yao? Ni yenye kuvutia sana. Neno muhimu kutumika katika vifaa wengi wa masoko kwa Meta. Ni ya kawaida. Neno jingine kutumika wakati akimaanisha Mark Zuckerberg ya online uumbaji wa kijamii upelelezi online uzoefu. Metaverse ni nini? Hii inahusu usalama wa watumiaji wa kila siku, na muhimu zaidi, tunawezaje kuwaweka vijana wetu salama kutoka kwa mashambulizi ya mkondoni? Kwanza, hebu tuzungumze juu ya dhana. Metaverse ni hali halisi ya 3D iliyoongezwa ambayo huongeza uhusiano wa kijamii katika ulimwengu unaopambana na jamii. Vyombo vya habari vya kijamii na maendeleo ya haraka ya kiteknolojia yamebadili kwa njia isiyo ya kawaida jinsi wanadamu wanavyoungana na wengine. Mtazamo wa kuingiliana mtandaoni sio mpya, lakini jinsi tunavyofanya ni. "Kujirekebisha kutoka kwa janga la ulimwengu ambalo liliwatenganisha wengi, tunakaribisha ulimwengu mpya ambao utatuwezesha kuingiliana kwenye majukwaa ambayo yanaweza kutukinga kimwili bila kusababisha upweke na kutengwa na wengine. """ Inaweza kuwa hatua ya mabadiliko katika mwelekeo sahihi. Lakini kwa hili, tunahitaji kukabiliana na matatizo mengi. Tisho la mtandao, unyanyasaji wa mtandao, unyanyasaji, biashara haramu, na hata ubakaji wa kawaida huwa vitisho wakati wa kuchunguza uwezekano wa kuzurura Metaverse. Kwa nini wazazi wanapaswa kuwa na wasiwasi? Wakati watu wote wanakabiliwa na uvunjaji wa faragha mtandaoni, vijana wa kabla ya ujana na vijana wa utafutaji wa kijamii ni hasa walio hatarini. Kuwa na udadisi wa kijamii ni asili ya pili kwa matineja, na sasa wanaweza kufurahisha tabia hii kwa kuwa na ufikiaji wa ulimwengu kwenye vidole vyao. Kwa kweli. Hii imewafungulia ulimwengu kwa kasi ya haraka na ya kisasa, lakini tungekuwa wavivu kutokuwa na wasiwasi juu ya milango ya hatari inayowasilisha. Hakuna njia moja tu ya kupata upatikanaji wa Metaverse. Watoto wanaweza kupata Metaverse kupitia majukwaa ya mtandaoni kama vile Minecraft na Roblox, majukwaa maarufu sawa kwa haki yao wenyewe. Metaverse ina uwezo wa kuanzisha akili ya kijamii na ubunifu kwa njia ambayo bado hatujapata uzoefu au kuelewa. Watoto wanahitaji kuchochewa na furaha, na Metaverse ina uwezo wa kutoa hii katika mazingira ya bure ya mkazo na salama. Hatari za kimwili na za kawaida Tisho la Metaverse linaweza kufupishwa hivi. Hatujui bado. Vijana wanaweza kufunuliwa kwa maudhui ya wazi mapema sana, kuharibu maendeleo yao ya kingono kwa kuunda matarajio yasiyo ya kweli ya mahusiano ya kingono, kuongeza hatari ya kulevya, na inaweza kuifanya tabia ya jeuri ya kingono kuwa ya kawaida. Kudhulumu watu kupitia Intaneti ni jambo jingine lenye kutia wasiwasi sana. Watoto tayari wamechaguliwa kuwa shabaha rahisi na kusumbuliwa na maelezo ya mtandaoni yasiyojulikana. Uchunguzi na matukio mengi ya maisha halisi yamefunua matokeo mabaya ya unyanyasaji wa kingono, ambayo yanaweza kusababisha mshuko wa moyo, na hata kujiua. Metaverse ina uwezo wa kuwa addictive kwa watoto kwa sababu ya kutolewa kwa dopamine, kutokana na asili yake immersive na kuvutia. Matatizo ya kimwili yanaweza kutokea kutokana na vichwa vya sauti vya VR na yanaweza kusababisha matatizo ya muda mfupi ya afya kama vile kichefuchefu, maumivu ya kichwa, na kizunguzungu. Ingawa hii ni ya muda mfupi, bado hakuna uhakika juu ya jinsi matumizi ya muda mrefu ya dawa ya kulevya yanaweza kuathiri maendeleo ya neva. Twawezaje kuacha? Baada ya kufunua baadhi ya hatari, je, bado tunataka kuhatarisha ufunuaji wa vijana wetu? Ni lazima tukumbuke kwamba kuruhusu matineja kuchunguza ulimwengu virtual inajenga hali na kudhibitiwa bendi ya usalama. Kwa bahati mbaya, mstari huu wa usalama unaweza kuvunjika, lakini tunaweza kuchukua hatua za kuwalinda. Hebu kuzungumzia vidokezo chache juu ya kukaa salama katika Metaverse vastly haijulikani. Kuanza na kufanya hivyo umri sahihi Hakikisha watoto wako ni wakubwa wa kutosha kutumia Metaverse. Watoto chini ya umri wa miaka 13 hawapaswi kuwa na upatikanaji wa vifaa vyao au akaunti zao, na matumizi ya Metaverse yanapaswa kuwa chini ya usimamizi mkali ikiwa watatumia kabisa. Hebu fikiria kwa njia hii. Ilikuwa Ijumaa usiku mwaka 1998. Wazazi wako wamekodisha tu filamu chache kutoka Blockbuster. Moja ni ya umri unaofaa, na nyingine imewekwa ili kutazamwa mara tu unapokuwa kitandani. Unaomba usingize saa moja zaidi ya wakati wa kulala, nao wanakubali - lakini chini ya uangalizi. Metaverse ni sawa na filamu hiyo! Weka msingi Weka sheria wazi za kutumia Metaverse na kuimarisha sheria hizi. Mipaka huunda uzoefu salama zaidi kwa watumiaji wote, hasa watoto. Kupunguza mfiduo kwa Metaverse. Maingiliano ya daima hutokeza dopamini ambayo yaweza kusababisha uraibu. Kupunguza muda uliotumika katika Metaverse inaweza kusaidia kukuza uwiano mzuri wa mtandaoni kwa vijana. Udhibiti bila kuwa mwenye kutawala Tumia udhibiti wa wazazi kadiri iwezekanavyo. Punguza upatikanaji ili kuepuka mwingiliano na maudhui yenye madhara. Ikiwa hutumiwa kwa usahihi, udhibiti wa wazazi unaweza kulinda watoto kwenye majukwaa ya dijiti. Kumbuka: huenda matineja wakaasi dhidi ya sheria kali. Badala yake, tumia mbinu za hila na mbinu za ujanja za kugeuza fikira ili uwaondolee fikira ukweli kwamba wewe unadhibiti kile wanachoona. Kumbuka wakati wazazi wako waliposema hapana kwa kutazama filamu hiyo ya R-rated - na bado ulifanya hivyo, tu wakati huu ilikuwa nyuma yao? Yaelekea ulibaki na maswali mengi kuliko ulivyotaka - lakini ulipinga kwa sababu ulihisi kwamba walikuwa wakitenda bila kufikiri. Kuwafundisha kuhusu heshima: Kuwa sauti kwa ajili ya wengine na kuwaongoza watoto wako katika tabia inayokubalika mtandaoni. Sisitiza umuhimu wa kuheshimu watumiaji wengine. Sisi tunafikiri nini? Kama tunajifunza zaidi kuhusu Metaverse, tunaweza kutathmini tabia na jinsi wanaweza kubadilishwa ili kulinda watoto wetu daima, kuongeza usalama wao. Kwa ujumla, kulinda watoto katika Metaverse ni jukumu la pamoja. Ikiwa wazazi watafuatilia hatari zinazowezekana na kuchukua hatua muhimu ili kuwaweka watoto wao salama, na tutawaweka makampuni makubwa kuwajibika, tunaweza kuhakikisha uhusiano wa muda mrefu na wenye mafanikio na kawaida mpya ya mwingiliano wa kijamii mtandaoni.