The recommended age for children to use mixed reality devices can vary depending on the specific device and content. However, many manufacturers of these devices suggest that their products be used by individuals aged 13 or older.
It is important to consider the following factors before gifting or giving your child access to a mixed reality device:
Cognitive and Emotional Development: Younger children may struggle to distinguish between reality and fiction, and exposure to immersive experiences can be confusing or frightening for them.
Safety and Supervision: Ensure that the content and activities are age-appropriate for the child and closely monitor the device usage to ensure a safe and positive experience.
Limited Usage Time: It is particularly important to restrict the exposure time to mixed reality for children as they may be more susceptible to negative effects such as eye fatigue, discomfort, and disorientation.
Balance with Other Activities: Ensure that the use of mixed reality does not replace essential activities for a child’s development, such as outdoor play, social interactions, and creative activities.
To assist parents in evaluating whether their children are ready to benefit from this technology, we have listed the minimum essential digital intelligence skills for starting the use of mixed reality headsets:
Basic Technology Literacy: Understanding how to operate and set up mixed reality headsets, as well as becoming familiar with controls and the user interface.
Safety and Privacy: Knowledge of basic security practices, such as protecting personal information, configuring privacy settings, and being aware of potential risks associated with the use of mixed reality.
Navigation and Interaction: Being able to navigate and interact within the virtual environment, including the ability to move, select objects, and perform basic actions.
Content Understanding: Having the ability to discern between real and fictional content and understand how to interpret information and experiences in the mixed reality environment.
Digital Etiquette and Empathy: Familiarity with appropriate behavior and communication norms in virtual environments and treating others with respect and consideration.
Balanced Technology Use: Being aware of the importance of limiting time spent on immersive experiences and ensuring that the use of mixed reality does not interfere with activities such as playing, practicing physical activities, eating, sleeping, studying and interacting with other people .
These basic skills are essential to start using mixed reality glasses safely and responsibly. To take advantage of this technology and explore its possibilities, it is important to develop the necessary digital skills to take full advantage of mixed reality and ensure a positive and enriching experience.
If, after reviewing all of the above, you decide to allow your child to use these devices, it is critical to closely monitor the experience and ensure that it is appropriate for the child’s age and development. Additionally, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and the recommendations of healthcare professionals regarding safe and healthy technology use.
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