Meta offers supervision tools that give parents control over their child’s VR experience, ensuring a safe and balanced approach to virtual reality. Using the Meta Horizon app and Family Center, parents can set time limits, schedule breaks, and customize restrictions to make VR a safer space for their kids.
The tools are straightforward to set up and offer several features to keep parents informed and in control, even if they’re not familiar with VR. With these resources, Meta aims to make VR a safe and positive experience for young users. Here’s a guide on how to set up and manage supervision tools effectively on the Meta Quest.
How To Set Up Supervision On Meta Quest
To start using the supervision features, both parents and their children must have Meta accounts. If your child doesn’t already have one, you can set it up directly through the Meta Horizon app or on the Family Center website. Note that Meta requires users to be at least 10 years old to create an account, and children under 12 need a parent or guardian to manage their accounts.
Once accounts are ready, download the Meta Horizon app, available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store. This app will allow parents to access the Family Center, where all supervision features can be controlled.
Here’s a quick list of requirements to get started with supervision:
- Meta Horizon App: Download from your app store.
- Meta Accounts: Both the parent and child need active Meta accounts.
- Agreement from Both Parties: Supervision requires consent from both the parent and the child. Either can disable the feature if they choose.
How To Receive Or Send An Invite To Set Up Supervision
Setting up supervision is done through an invitation system. When your child sends an invite, you’ll receive a link to accept, which expires after 48 hours. Follow the link to finalize the setup, and once connected, you’ll be able to view and manage your child’s activity in VR.
Alternatively, if you’re the one initiating supervision, simply log in to Family Center, create an invitation link, and send it to your child. This straightforward process ensures that both parties are aware of the supervision and its scope.
How To Manage App Time
Setting Daily Time Limits
Setting daily limits on app usage helps create a healthy balance for young VR users. Meta Quest offers customizable daily time limits, allowing parents to specify how long their child can use the device each day. This feature is accessible through both the Family Center website and the Meta Horizon app.
When setting a time limit, your child will receive a notification showing the allowed usage time. Once they reach the limit, the device will automatically restart and become unavailable for the rest of the day. Parents can adjust time limits for each day of the week, allowing flexibility to match their family’s schedule.
Here’s how to set time limits:
- Open the Meta Horizon app and tap on the avatar icon at the bottom.
- Tap on the Privacy and Securitymenu, then select Supervision.
- Select your child’s account and tap Manage Time Limits.
- Customize the daily time limit according to your family’s needs.
How To Schedule Breaks
Setting breaks within the Meta Quest provides balance, ensuring young users don’t become too immersed for extended periods. Break scheduling allows parents to define specific intervals when the device will automatically pause, giving children time to rest their eyes and reset before resuming their VR activities.
To set breaks in the Meta Horizon app:
- Open the Meta Horizon app and go to Supervision Settings.
- Tap on Break Scheduling.
- Choose your preferred interval (for example, a 5-minute break after every 30 minutes of usage).
How To Monitor Activity Through Usage Reports
The usage report feature in Meta’s Family Center provides an in-depth look at how much time children spend on VR. These reports include details on which apps are being used, along with a daily and weekly summary of overall device time.
By reviewing these reports, parents can understand patterns and ensure their child is using VR in ways that align with family guidelines.
To view usage reports:
- Access the Family Center via the Meta Horizon app.
- Open the Reportssection to see daily or weekly summaries.
- Review time logs and app-specific data for a clearer understanding of your child’s VR activities.
How To Customize Content Restrictions
Meta Quest allows parents to set content restrictions to ensure that children only access age-appropriate apps. The Family Center categorizes apps based on age ratings, allowing parents to block content that may not be suitable for younger users.
To set content restrictions:
- Open Family Centeron the Meta Horizon app.
- Navigate to the App Restrictions
- Choose age-appropriate content levels for each app or block specific apps as desired.
How To Block In-Game Purchases
Preventing unwanted in-game purchases is a major concern for many parents. Meta Quest includes settings that allow parents to control and restrict in-game purchases, minimizing the risk of unexpected charges.
To manage in-game purchases:
- Go to Privacy and Securityin the Meta Horizon app.
- Open Purchasesunder your child’s profile.
- Toggle restrictions to block or limit in-game purchases.
How To Encourage Balanced VR Habits
Establishing balanced VR habits is essential, especially for young users. The supervision tools in Meta’s Family Center aren’t only for limiting access but also serve as a guide for children to learn healthy technology habits. Parents can use these features to encourage breaks, set reasonable time limits, and monitor usage, all of which can help young users enjoy VR in a balanced way.
Recommended Meta Quest Accessories
1. MaeckerVR Quest 3 Battery Head Strap
2. MaeckerVR Quest 3/3S Direct-Charge Controller Grips
Conclusion
With the supervision tools on Meta Quest, parents can actively monitor and manage how much time their children spend in VR, making the experience safer and more controlled. From setting time limits to blocking in-game purchases, Meta offers several ways to ensure VR time is positive and balanced for younger users.