Families Seek More Research on VR’s Impact on Children’s Development

Families are increasingly seeking more robust research into the potential impacts of virtual reality (VR) technologies on children’s developing brains and behaviors. A new study highlights a desire for evidence-based information, with parents prioritizing understanding how VR might affect a child’s ability to learn and form relationships, alongside concerns about potential addictive properties. While families recognize the appeal of VR for entertainment and education, they place a surprisingly high value on features that promote physical activity.

The research, led by Qiao Jin, an assistant professor of computer science at North Carolina State University, began with interviews involving 67 children and 55 adult guardians. These conversations explored the complex factors influencing family decisions about VR utilize and identified who families believe should be responsible for addressing related concerns. The findings were then refined through a focus group of 134 participants – 84 children and 40 guardians – who ranked various priorities and considerations related to VR.

Brain Development and Behavioral Concerns

A central theme emerging from the study was the need for more information regarding the effects of VR on brain and behavioral development. Participants didn’t view these as separate issues, but rather as deeply interconnected elements influencing learning, relationships, and overall well-being. This concern extends beyond simply tracking screen time; families want to understand how VR engagement might fundamentally alter cognitive processes and social-emotional growth. “Rather than treating brain and behavior separately, participants often discussed them as deeply interconnected,” explains Jin.

This desire for deeper understanding is fueled by anxieties about the potential for addiction. Many guardians expressed significant concerns about the immersive nature of VR and its potential to be highly engaging – and hard for children to disengage from. This concern is echoed in broader discussions about technology addiction and its impact on young people. Childnet International offers guidance for parents navigating the complexities of VR and online safety, emphasizing the importance of open communication and establishing family agreements.

Safety and Autonomy in the Virtual World

Beyond developmental concerns, families also emphasized the importance of safety features within VR platforms. Rather than solely relying on parental oversight to filter inappropriate content, participants expressed a desire for built-in mechanisms to detect and prevent bullying or harassment. This reflects a broader trend towards proactive safety measures in online environments.

The study also revealed a nuanced understanding of children’s needs for autonomy. “Children desire autonomy and independence, and parents respect that—but still worry about their children’s safety,” Jin notes. This highlights the challenge of balancing a child’s desire for exploration and self-discovery with the need for parental guidance and protection.

Physical Activity: A Key Priority

One surprising finding was the high priority families placed on physical activity as a desirable feature in VR platforms. While educational content and social interaction were considered appealing, they were secondary to the potential for VR to encourage movement and exercise. Guardians were particularly concerned with ensuring their children remained healthy and active, and saw VR as a potential tool to support this goal. This aligns with growing public health concerns about sedentary lifestyles and the importance of incorporating physical activity into daily routines. Physical activity is increasingly recognized as crucial for both physical and mental well-being.

Shared Responsibility and Governance

The question of who should be responsible for addressing VR-related concerns proved complex. While families acknowledged the responsibility of tech companies to prioritize user safety and well-being, they expressed skepticism about whether profit motives would align with these goals.

Instead, participants envisioned a collaborative governance model involving industry, academic research, and public institutions. They proposed that tech companies would develop VR platforms, university researchers would evaluate their impact on children, and doctors, teachers, and other experts would use this evidence to inform guidance and policies. This model emphasizes the importance of independent research and evidence-based decision-making.

The Need for Further Research

The study underscores a critical need for more research into the long-term effects of VR use on children’s brain and behavioral development. “One clear grab-away from this work is that more needs to be done to deepen our understanding of how VR use may affect brain and behavioral development in children, so that we can share this information with parents and families,” Jin emphasizes.

The researchers hope their findings will inform future research priorities and funding decisions. The paper, ““We Care More About What It Does”: Priorities and Responsibilities in VR for Children and Families,” will be presented at the IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces (IEEE VR) in Daegu, South Korea, March 21–25, 2026.

The findings also build on earlier work exploring the potential benefits of VR in therapeutic settings. A study published in PubMed in July 2025 suggests that incorporating VR into Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) may accelerate the acquisition of positive parenting skills. Even though, this research also acknowledges the need for further investigation into the long-term effects of VR exposure.

navigating the evolving landscape of VR requires a proactive and informed approach. Families, researchers, and industry stakeholders must work together to ensure that these technologies are used safely and responsibly, maximizing their potential benefits while minimizing potential risks. As VR technology continues to advance, ongoing research and open dialogue will be essential to protect the well-being of future generations.