Title: Safeguarding Children in the Metaverse: A Cause Embraced by Carol Vorderman

Lifestyle: Carol Vorderman Backs Calls to Protect Children in the Metaverse

Introduction

New research from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has found that Generation Alpha, children aged 5-13, are spending more time socializing and playing online than in the real world. The study, which surveyed 1,000 parents, revealed that 57% of children spend most of their recreational time online, with the percentage rising to two-thirds among 12-13-year-olds specifically. Virtual reality (VR) has become a popular activity for children, with two-thirds having used VR and a quarter doing so on a weekly basis. However, there are concerns about the potential risks and lack of legislation to protect children in the metaverse.

The Rise of Virtual Reality

The IET’s research shows that children’s engagement with VR has increased by an astonishing 320% in the past year alone, despite the lower age limits currently set at 12-13 years old. The IET estimates that Generation Alpha will spend over a decade of their lives in VR. This growing trend highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the potential risks associated with virtual reality.

Campaigning for Legislation

In March 2023, the UK Government’s Online Safety Bill progressed to the House of Lords, but there are concerns that the legislation does not fully cover the unique harms and risks of the metaverse and virtual reality. To address this, the IET has been campaigning to future-proof the Bill. They have drafted an amendment that would require Ofcom to review how the Act applies to the metaverse. The amendment has sparked extensive debate, and the Government has indicated that periodic reviews by Ofcom will likely include users’ experiences of services like the metaverse. However, the IET continues to push for definitive inclusion of the metaverse in these reviews and calls for a specific review on how the metaverse is governed.

The Risks and Challenges

While there are benefits to online connectivity and virtual reality, there are also potential risks. The digital realm exposes children to the dangers of communicating with strangers, potentially compromising their safety. A third of parents wrongly believe that their children are rarely or not very often exposed to abuse in popular virtual world platforms like VRchat, when in reality, abusive incidents occur frequently. The IET’s research also reveals that 64% of parents believe that interacting with strangers online could desensitize their children to real-life dangers.

Furthermore, the Online Safety Bill currently does not cover the potentially dangerous use of “deep-fake” imagery, and nearly half of parents have never heard of this type of content. This lack of awareness among caregivers highlights the need for better education and understanding of the virtual world in which children are immersed.

The Call for Legislation and Safeguards

The IET’s research has led to a call for tighter laws and regulations to protect individuals accessing immersive online experiences. When asked what type of legislation should be introduced, 44% of parents believe there should be a balanced approach where the government sets and enforces general guidelines for the metaverse. Additionally, 30% feel that the company running the VR platform should be responsible for justice if someone is assaulted by a stranger in the virtual world. Nearly a third of parents (32%) support tighter law and regulation with comprehensive rules and enforcement.

The Role of Caregivers and Government

While 81% of parents believe technology can be a great educational resource, it is crucial for caregivers to have a better understanding of the metaverse and engage in discussions with their children about online safety. The IET hopes that their research will raise awareness among caregivers and provide them with the tools to address the potential risks associated with VR and the metaverse.

Ultimately, the responsibility lies not only with caregivers but also with the government. The IET emphasizes the need for the Online Safety Bill to keep pace with technological advancements and adequately protect users. Governments have a duty to engage and take action when needed to ensure that technology is enjoyed safely by all.

Conclusion

The increasing popularity of virtual reality and the metaverse among children highlights the need for safeguards and legislation to protect their well-being. The IET’s research highlights the significant growth in children’s engagement with VR and the potential risks they may face. There is a call for tighter laws, comprehensive regulations, and periodic reviews to address the unique harms and challenges of the metaverse. It is crucial for caregivers to have a better understanding of the virtual world and engage in discussions with their children about online safety. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of both caregivers and governments to ensure that technology is enjoyed safely and responsibly.