Parental Controls for the Metaverse: Protecting Your Kids in Virtual Worlds

Introduction

As parents, we constantly seek ways to protect our children in every aspect of their lives. With technology evolving rapidly, one of the newest frontiers we must navigate is the metaverse. This interconnected digital universe is becoming a significant part of children’s social and recreational lives. While it offers exciting opportunities, it also presents unique risks.

According to a historical report by Common Sense Media, 70% of U.S. children from 8 to 15 years old were either “extremely” or “fairly” interested in experiencing VR. In a forthcoming report from Common Sense, 17% of U.S. children age 8 to 18 report having a VR headset, about one in five tweens (22%) and one in four teens (27%) have ever tried virtual reality, 3% of teens say they use VR everyday, and 13% of tweens and teens say they enjoy using virtual reality “a lot” or “somewhat.

And VR is just one way to engage with the metaverse. Millions of children also use non-immersive gaming systems (a traditional console or desktop computer, for instance) to join connected virtual worlds like those of Roblox, a
platform that reported over 100 million monthly users under 13 years old in 2021.
Other popular proto-metaverse platforms include Fortnite, Minecraft, AltspaceVR, Rec Room, and VRChat.

This highlights the growing need for parental awareness and control mechanisms in these environments. In this blog, we’ll explore the risks of the metaverse, how to implement parental controls, and actionable steps to ensure your child’s safety while enjoying virtual worlds.

Understanding the Metaverse and Its Appeal to Children

What Is the Metaverse?

The metaverse refers to a collection of immersive digital environments where users can interact through avatars, engage in activities, and even create their own content. These virtual spaces are accessed through VR (virtual reality), AR (augmented reality), or standard devices like computers and gaming consoles.

Popular metaverse platforms include:

• Roblox – A user-generated gaming platform with millions of interactive experiences.
• Fortnite – Originally a battle royale game, now an expansive social and creative space.
• Meta Horizon Worlds – A VR-based metaverse developed by Meta (formerly Facebook).
• Minecraft – A sandbox game that allows creative building and multiplayer interaction.

Why Is It So Appealing to Kids?

Children and teens are naturally drawn to the metaverse for several reasons:

• Social Interaction – Virtual worlds allow them to connect with friends and make new ones globally.
• Creativity – Platforms like Roblox and Minecraft let kids design their own games and experiences.
• Gamification – Engaging, reward-based activities keep children invested.
• Exploration – The immersive nature of VR provides an exciting sense of adventure.

However, these very features also introduce risks that parents need to be aware of and actively manage.

Risks and Challenges of the Metaverse

Exposure to Inappropriate Content

Unlike traditional video games, metaverse platforms often feature user-generated content, which may not always be child-friendly. Inappropriate language, violence, and even sexually explicit content can sometimes slip past moderation systems.

Cyberbullying and Online Harassment

The rise of the metaverse, a virtual reality environment, has introduced a new era of digital interactions and experiences within global information networks. This evolving space comes with its own social dynamics, offering users exciting opportunities to engage, connect, and explore. However, as individuals spend more time in these virtual worlds, the growing concern of cyberbullying has become increasingly evident and requires urgent attention.

Interaction with Strangers and Online Predators

The metaverse fosters interactions between users, often allowing voice chat, messaging, and real-time conversations. This can lead to:

• Strangers trying to befriend children with ill intentions.
• Grooming tactics where predators attempt to manipulate young users.
• Exposure to scams and phishing attempts.

Privacy and Data Security Concerns

Many metaverse platforms collect personal data, including voice recordings, location data, and usage patterns. Children may unknowingly share sensitive information, putting them at risk of identity theft or targeted advertising.

Addiction and Excessive Screen Time

With its immersive nature, the metaverse can lead to excessive screen time and addiction-like behaviors. The World Health Organization (WHO) has even recognized gaming disorder as a mental health condition.

How Parents Can Protect Their Kids in the Metaverse

1. Educate Yourself and Your Child

Understanding the platforms your child uses is the first step to protecting them. Learn about:

• The platform’s content and potential risks.
• The safety tools and parental controls available.
• The terms of service and age restrictions.

Talk openly with your child about internet safety, privacy, and digital citizenship. Teach them not to share personal information, recognize red flags, and report inappropriate behavior.

2. Set Up Parental Controls on Metaverse Platforms

Most popular metaverse platforms offer parental control features. Here’s how you can utilize them:

Roblox Parental Controls

• Enable Account Restrictions to limit games to those verified as kid-friendly.
• Restrict chat features under Privacy Settings.
• Use Parent PINs to prevent unauthorized changes to settings.

Mobicip’s guide to setting up Roblox parental controls

Fortnite Parental Controls

• Enable Text and Voice Chat Restrictions.
• Turn on Weekly Playtime Reports.
• Restrict friend requests to known contacts.

Meta Horizon Worlds Parental Controls

• Use the Parent Dashboard to manage who your child interacts with.
• Set up screen time limits.
• Restrict access to certain virtual worlds.

For a complete list of parental control settings on various platforms, check out Mobicip’s comprehensive guide.

3. Use Third-Party Parental Control Software

Besides built-in settings, third-party solutions provide additional layers of security to:

• Monitor screen time across multiple devices.
• Block inappropriate content.
• Track location and online activity.

Mobicip is a comprehensive parental control app designed to help parents manage and monitor their child’s online activities efficiently. Its powerful features ensure that kids can explore the digital world safely while giving parents peace of mind.

Parents can keep track of daily screen time consumption and compare against recommended limits. Track usage & time spent on social media and on platforms like Metaverse.

Social media and gaming apps distract children from being productive; even leading to screen addiction in some cases. With Mobicip, Parents can restrict potentially addictive apps while ensuring access to fun, and educational apps.

4. Encourage Open Communication

Many kids may hesitate to report bad experiences due to fear of losing screen time. Instead of punishing them, encourage honest conversations about their online interactions. Ask them:

• What games do they enjoy?
• Have they encountered anything that made them uncomfortable?
• Do they know what to do if someone acts inappropriately?

5. Set Screen Time Limits

Establish clear boundaries on how much time your child can spend in the metaverse. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends:

• No more than 1 hour per day for children aged 2-5.
• Consistent limits for older children based on individual needs.

Use built-in tools like Google Family Link or Apple Screen Time to enforce these limits.

6. Monitor and Participate in Their Activities

Consider playing the games or exploring virtual worlds with your child. This gives you firsthand insight into their online experiences and helps foster a sense of trust.

The Future of Parental Controls in the Metaverse

As technology evolves, so do safety tools. Companies are introducing AI-driven moderation, age-verification systems, and real-time monitoring to enhance child safety. Governments and organizations are also pushing for stricter regulations on data privacy and online safety for children.

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) already regulates online data collection from children under 13. However, new laws are being proposed to further protect kids in virtual spaces.

Conclusion: Empowering Parents to Protect Kids in the Metaverse

The metaverse is here to stay, offering both opportunities and challenges for children. As parents, we must stay proactive, informed, and engaged in our kids’ digital lives. By implementing the right parental controls, maintaining open communication, and setting clear boundaries, we can help our children explore virtual worlds safely and responsibly.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Learn about the platforms your child uses.
✅ Set up parental controls on metaverse platforms.
✅ Use third-party monitoring tools for added security.
✅ Encourage honest conversations about online safety.
✅ Establish screen time limits and digital boundaries.

By taking these steps, we ensure our children enjoy the metaverse while staying protected from potential risks.