VR Headset Recommendations for 8-Year-Old
- Thread starter rhondalee
- Start date
jesusiswithallofus
New member
@jesusiswithallofus and how do you know the child would be on it constantly? Karen.
@jesusiswithallofus my son has had it since 11 and he uses it but then spends weeks off it I've definitely got my money's worth
drluvorkian
New member
There is truth in @jesusiswithallofus's point. The PSVR warns about it not being suitable for children under 12 every time it starts up. There are several factors that may be considered:
-The eyes are still developing and prolonged exposure to close screens could be damaging.
-The IPD (interpupillary distance) of the headsets caters to adult-sized heads, as such children may not be able to get a clear focus in both eyes at the same time leading to eye strain.
-Children (generally) have poorer spatial awareness skills and may be more likely to have an accident by bumping into things. Even as an adult, it's complicated to be mindful of your real-world surroundings when you're immersed in VR.
-In small doses VR play won't do much harm, but kids may have a tendency to play for far too long if unsupervised and/or make themselves sick by not knowing when they've had enough.
-Online VR games are full of griefers and kids saying all manner of things young ears shouldn't hear (or gesturing in inappropriate ways they shouldn't see).
Of course, all kids develop at different rates and to different skill levels, but manufacturers cover their backsides by uniformly saying they're not suitable for children. They also make games and educational interactive apps for children.
As long as a responsible adult supervises the play space, time spent, and monitors any online chat, there won't be any problems.
Anyway, I just wanted to chime in and offer some supportive insight and reasoning.
-The eyes are still developing and prolonged exposure to close screens could be damaging.
-The IPD (interpupillary distance) of the headsets caters to adult-sized heads, as such children may not be able to get a clear focus in both eyes at the same time leading to eye strain.
-Children (generally) have poorer spatial awareness skills and may be more likely to have an accident by bumping into things. Even as an adult, it's complicated to be mindful of your real-world surroundings when you're immersed in VR.
-In small doses VR play won't do much harm, but kids may have a tendency to play for far too long if unsupervised and/or make themselves sick by not knowing when they've had enough.
-Online VR games are full of griefers and kids saying all manner of things young ears shouldn't hear (or gesturing in inappropriate ways they shouldn't see).
Of course, all kids develop at different rates and to different skill levels, but manufacturers cover their backsides by uniformly saying they're not suitable for children. They also make games and educational interactive apps for children.
As long as a responsible adult supervises the play space, time spent, and monitors any online chat, there won't be any problems.
Anyway, I just wanted to chime in and offer some supportive insight and reasoning.
@jesusiswithallofus same with trampolines too (I know OP isn’t asking about those) but they can cause eye damage. My nephew was on his every day during the summer holidays when he was around 7 or 8. He complained of eye pain and blurred vision. Not sure what the medical term was but the optometrist said he had detached the eye jelly from the jumping and it’s more common than people think. He’s now in his 20’s and still has to wear glasses.
michaelw20
New member
@jesusiswithallofus they told me this when I went to buy one for my son! Xx
alicethebrit
New member
Got my son Jen last year the best thing I’ve ever brought him xx
Does he has a games console? I have a ps4 and I got there VR headset last year and it's far cheaper than a stand alone one. I'm not saying it's the best out there but if it's good enough for an adult it's good enough for a child 
. My kids love it, my daughter has a game where she's an eagle and my son has Ironman.
. My kids love it, my daughter has a game where she's an eagle and my son has Ironman.@silentguy he does, he has a ps4 so I’ll look into that thank you
@rhondalee I bought mine 2nd hand as there are loads on ebay. Some are in great condition. There is a V2 version which is what I got and as far as I know it means it's a wider screen and a bit better overall. Most are V2 from what I've seen but if the seller doesn't specify its a V2 I'd say leave it. Make sure you get the camera and move controllers as you will need it. That's the added bonus with the used ones, most are selling as a bundle. 
freesyncracy
New member
My 9 and 12 year old have an oculus, they've had them for 2/3 years now and they are used daily! I thought they were gonna be a fad and not get used but they've been well worth the money! Xx
01love01heart
New member
@freesyncracy how do games work on the oculus? Do you pay extra per game?
freesyncracy
New member
@01love01heart tbh its their dad that sorts out all their techy stuff so I'm not 100% 
however I'm sure there's lots of free games but also that you can buy too! Xxx
however I'm sure there's lots of free games but also that you can buy too! Xxx@freesyncracy 12?!?! When did that happen 
xx
xxfreesyncracy
New member
xx@freesyncracy I thought it was a typo at first!! Then went on the hunt on your fb to check it was real 
not even fair how fast it goes 
Gracie’s 8 on her next birthday, ours girls are getting big
xx
not even fair how fast it goes Gracie’s 8 on her next birthday, ours girls are getting big
xx