Metaverse for kids: The ultimate guide for parents and children

In a world of constant change in technology and communication, the term, metaverse, is commonly heard but not known to many. The metaverse has arrived, and whilst the technology that powers it is still in its infancy, it is already being embraced by the most tech-savvy segment of our population, namely our children.

What began as a niche computer gaming technology has evolved into a potential game changer for both life and business, and young kids are at the forefront of bringing this technology to mass adoption, as both consumers and creators.

But what does that mean for parents? More importantly, what does the metaverse have to do with your child? What advantages and disadvantages does technology bring and how can parents prepare their children and themselves?

In this article, we will learn more about the metaverse and the metaverse for kids.

Metaverse: What is it?

In layman’s terms, the metaverse is a three-dimensional virtual universe. But, there's more to it than that! The phrase essentially refers to "a collection of interconnected virtual environments where users can communicate via avatars in the first person. It typically refers to a digital environment that multiple users of an internet connection can access simultaneously." 

Although it is possible to use the internet without necessarily connecting with others, the metaverse is built on digital human connection. It's about individuals coming together to share a virtual world, whether it's for a job, school, exercise, or just for fun. The metaverse goes well beyond virtual reality, to put it simply. It is a system of linked virtual worlds where users communicate with avatars in the first person.

Metaverse and kids: Why is it important?

The metaverse has been around for a while, but it is just now becoming more well-known as it enters new, immersive platforms like VR and AR. Children can construct virtual worlds or personalised avatars in the metaverse, where they can also utilise virtual currency, cryptocurrencies, or setting-specific currencies to buy goods or services. Using VR headsets, smartphones, PCs, or non-immersive gaming devices, children can enter the metaverse.

Parents have gradually grown accustomed to the popular 3D gaming environments that may be found on non-immersive flat-screen console systems and mobile devices.

Using the metaverse as a kid can foster creativity and increase their enthusiasm for academic study while helping them communicate with their teachers, peers, and friends in a secure environment. Particularly in today's digital-first world, the metaverse can offer fantastic learning opportunities.

Metaverse, like Facebook for kids, has benefits and drawbacks, just like anything else. It is essential for parents to be aware of these threats and to take steps to safeguard their children from them.

Advantages of the metaverse for kids

• Children can benefit from the almost real, hands-on experience that the metaverse provides and improve their understanding of the world and how things work. Such technology makes it easier for students to understand abstract ideas in an interesting way.
• Children can interact with teachers, peers, and friends in a safe and authorised setting, thanks to the metaverse. It promotes creativity and grows children's academic interests.
• For children to explore and learn, the metaverse can be a wonderful resource. In a less stressful setting, it can be a useful opportunity for parents and teachers to educate their children on a variety of skills and knowledge.

Disadvantages of the metaverse for kids

• Children can be targeted and bullied by anonymous users, which raises major concerns about cyberbullying.
• There is a chance that kids will be exposed to offensive material like violent or sexual material or hate speech.
• Given its very immersive and engaging character, the metaverse is likely to become addictive for children.
• There is a privacy risk since kids using the metaverse could unintentionally share personal information like their home addresses or other details.
• Headaches, nausea, and vertigo may result from prolonged use of VR headsets.

How can parents help their kids safely explore the world of the metaverse?

Parents must stay on top of evolving regulations by keeping up with metaverse trends, finding out which children's items are safest, and educating themselves on the most recent VR and metaverse-related studies.

Kids should be taught the fundamentals of internet safety by their parents, including how to avoid disclosing personal information online. They can limit their child's access to potentially harmful content by closely monitoring their internet activities. It is crucial to stress the value of showing consideration and respect to everyone, even strangers. Encouraging them to split their time equally between the real and virtual worlds is another key thing to do.

What are the most popular metaverse games for kids?

Here's how some of the most well-known gaming platforms present metaverse experiences:

• Resident Evil 4
• Arizona Sunshine
• Skyrim VR
• No Man’s Sky
• Half-Life Alyx

It’s here to stay

Whatever way one chooses to engage and interact with the metaverse and related technology, one thing is certain: it is here to stay - and will only grow. The metaverse is still in its early stage, and children are the forerunners of this new world.

There’s no better time for your child to begin their learning journey than now! The future of your children depends on the decisions you make today. It is important to start early and then let the magic of compounding do its job. Take the first step now to empower your children to create a brighter tomorrow!