Children's Online Safety Risks and Ethical Considerations in XR Games
For children and policymakers, this research highlights overlooked safety risks in XR games and calls for design-aware ethical guidelines.
This study identifies online safety risks for children in XR games, including harmful design patterns and exposure to disturbing content, based on analysis of forums and interviews. It advocates for child-centered ethical frameworks to guide safer XR game design.
Emerging extended reality technologies are reshaping how children play, learn, and socialize. Yet, they also present serious safety risks. Gaming, a primary form of entertainment for children, is also one of the key applications of XR. While XR platforms offer immersive and engaging gaming experiences, recent news has highlighted safety concerns such as car accidents, lower judgment for real-world situations, and exposure to disturbing content like virtual rape. This research examines how XR game design may lead to online safety risks for children. Through analysis of player forums, game developer forums, and interviews with child players, we identify harmful XR design patterns, explore how developers collaboratively generate and implement risky game ideas, and document children's firsthand experiences of online safety risks. Existing ethical frameworks often fail to address the immersive and socially dynamic nature of XR games. We advocate for a child-centered, design-aware approach to ethical considerations in XR games, urging platforms and policymakers to prioritize children's developmental needs. Our work aims to help shape safer, more inclusive XR environments through research and cross-sector collaboration.