More games are now incorporating virtual reality due to its power to create engaging, immersive environments. But how does VR differ from traditional video games? At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, experts use VR tools to help young patients feel at ease during medical treatments.
“More kids now have access to VR at home,” says Anya Griffin, Ph.D., Director of Psychology at the Behavioral Health Institute. “Parents should view virtual reality as active screen time—similar to tablets or computers, but much more immersive.”
Dr. Griffin tries out VR games herself to evaluate them. While she acknowledges they’re fun, she urges parents to play the games first to understand them and to monitor their child’s use closely.
“VR can offer advantages over traditional screen time,” she explains. “Because it’s immersive and interactive, it encourages movement. Instead of sitting and looking down at a screen, kids are often upright, standing, or even moving, which can make physical activity more engaging—especially for those who need a little extra motivation.”
That said, VR might not be suitable for all children—particularly those with sensory issues, neurological conditions, or a tendency toward motion sickness. Consulting a healthcare provider before use is advised.
Dr. Griffin also offers practical tips for families to manage both children’s and adults’ use of virtual reality in everyday life.
Safe and Appropriate VR Gaming for Kids
Check game content for age suitability.
Dr. Anya Griffin explains that many popular video games now have VR versions. She advises parents to test out any VR game themselves before allowing their child to play. Some games may contain violent or disturbing content that isn’t suitable for young users. Parents should avoid games that could cause overstimulation, anxiety, or emotional distress. “Talk to your child about their VR experience to understand how it’s affecting them,” she suggests.
Follow age guidelines.
Most VR headset manufacturers recommend their products for children aged 12 and up. Unlike medical-grade VR, recreational headsets aren’t made for smaller faces and may cause discomfort like eyestrain or nausea. If your child experiences blurred vision, dizziness, headaches, or disorientation, they should stop using the device immediately.
Limit play sessions.
Use VR in moderation and under supervision. Children aged 12–15 should play for only 10–15 minutes per session, while teens 16–17 can play for up to 20 minutes, with at least a 30-minute break between sessions. Remember that VR is not a substitute for real-world play and social time—balance it with screen-free activities.
Avoid VR use before bedtime.
“All screens are stimulating and can interfere with sleep,” says Dr. Griffin. She recommends stopping all screen use, including VR, at least two hours before going to bed to protect sleep quality.
Watch for sensory overload.
VR headsets emit more light than phones or tablets, which can lead to overstimulation. Keep an eye on how your child reacts and limit exposure as needed.
Be cautious with multiplayer features.
Some VR games allow players to interact with others online. Dr. Griffin warns that these interactions can involve strangers of any age, including adults. She advises parents to monitor or disable online multiplayer features to ensure children aren’t engaging in unsafe virtual conversations. Supervision is key.
Create a safe play area.
Make sure your child has a clear, hazard-free space to move around during gameplay. Set up the VR safety boundary within the headset, and always supervise children while they use VR to avoid injuries.
The Expanding Role of VR in Pediatric Care
At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), virtual reality is being used to reduce pain and anxiety in children during procedures like blood draws, IV placements, and MRIs—sometimes replacing the need for medication or sedation.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold and Dr. Vrinda Bhardwaj are using VR to help kids avoid anesthesia during endoscopies, while Interventional Radiology teams use VR and augmented reality (AR) to calm patients during lumbar punctures, biopsies, and other treatments. Children can choose immersive environments that distract and comfort them during care.
A 2024 CHLA study also showed that a VR-style glasses and smartphone game combo helped ease anxiety during anesthesia induction.
“VR engages multiple senses, which helps block pain and reduce anxiety,” says Dr. Gold. “It also gives children a sense of control in an otherwise stressful environment.”
Dr. Gold and Dr. Griffin are part of INOVATE-Pain, an international group researching how VR and AR can improve pediatric pain management. As Dr. Griffin notes, VR is already changing how CHLA supports children through medical procedures.
Read the original article on: TechXplore
Read more: Robotics Combined with Virtual Reality Allows Seamless, Natural Engagement