Virtual Reality is a new online platform that uses headset displays to fully immerse users in online environments. This unique technology has pushed boundaries and can be dangerous for kids. Recent reports detail unsafe environments and sexual exploitation within the platform. To keep kids safe, we must understand the risks that come with virtual reality. A great start to teaching tweens and teens about responsible screen use is our Social Media Readiness Course. This fully online course helps minimize the risk of digital injuries and shows tweens and teens how to avoid dangers online.
What is VRChat?
With over 80,000 daily users, VRChat is one of the most popular online social platforms.[1] When people typically think of virtual reality, they most commonly think of VRChat. According to community guidelines on its website, VRchat allows the player to be anything or anyone through 3D avatars. You can have a different face or name, and even change your voice. Players have unrestricted access to countless other users within the app.[2] Connecting to others across the web has never been easier.
Here lies the rising popularity of VRChat! Its interface brings a sense that you are hanging out with other users due to lip-syncing and other expressive avatar controls. Anything from simple hangouts to scenarios beyond imagination is accessible. For this reason, it is quickly gaining traction as the future of online social interactions. For those who have trouble socializing, the online space even provides a way to learn to combat social challenges and anxieties in the real world.[3] For many, this virtual reality chat immersion has helped change their social lives for the better.
Safety Features on VRChat
Included in the platform is a tiered system known as the Trust System. This system is integrated for all players to help identify unsafe users who aim to detract from the online experience.Labels are given and visible to all, ranging from “New User” to “Trusted User” and even “Nuisance” for the players creating a poor environment. A more favorable ranking is dependent on a variety of factors like time spent playing, content additions, and the amount of connected users. Simply put, anyone can build a positive reputation on the app by continuously playing the game without any reported negative interactions.[4]
VRChat rules state that use is not permitted for kids under 13, and those aged 13 to 17 must get parental permission to play. However, there is no online requirement for proof of age or parent permission other than a checkbox. Parental controls can restrict access to certain content. For example, unwanted avatars, specific users, and custom animations can all be toggled on or off. General safety features like muting, blocking, and reporting are also available. Additionally, a “Safe Mode” can be used which removes all users and prevents user-to-user communications. App developers encourage parents to inform their children to use these tools to limit unwanted interactions and stay safe on the platform.[5]
Lack of Protection for Kids
Despite age restrictions, child protections are weak and can be easily bypassed on VRChat. Recently, a 13-year-old girl was abducted by a 25-year-old man after several meetings on VRChat.[6] The month-long grooming process that occurred before her abduction was only made easier by the unregulated environment. After an extensive search, the child was thankfully discovered unharmed. Still, it took two long days after the child had disappeared to find her.
Research investigators have uncovered other shocking VRChat interactions. For example, by impersonating a 13-year-old girl, researchers were able to freely access a virtual strip club.[7] In this space, sexual paraphernalia was in plain sight. Some of the users were seen trying to coerce others to remove their clothing, while another mix of adult and minor characters were acting out lewd fantasies in large groups, even instructing the researcher to join in. In a separate instance, impersonators came across a 7-year-old girl being surrounded by a group of men joking about taking advantage of them, eventually having to step in to stop the harassment.
After their findings, the researchers spoke about how uncomfortable many of the situations were. Worse, they described how they felt there were few options readily available to users to combat these situations. When contacted, a spokesperson for VRChat said that the described behavior, if reported, would result in suspensions of the users and terminations of the content.[8] Furthermore, the spokesperson was adamant that user safety was a top priority for the moderation team.
It is clear that virtual reality has brought a realm of freedom and excitement to users. Yet in the wrong hands, it has enabled easier methods of coercion and deviant behaviors. In the past few years, the reported number of online exploitation of children has increased astronomically from 44,155 in 2021 to 186,819 in 2023.[9] Learning to identify the early signs of risk and help prevent this kind of catastrophe is essential. Our GKIS Online Safety Red Flags For Parents is a helpful guide that tells you what behaviors to look for in kids who are being influenced online.
Virtual reality comes with plenty of pros and cons, check out some of these other GKIS articles to get informed!
[6] Pratt, J. (2024) How the Oculus Puts Children at Risk Gabb.https://gabb.com/blog/oculus-risks/
[7] Crawford, A. (2022) Investigation of VRChat finds rampant child grooming and other safety issues BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/technology-60415317
