Jury still out on virtual gaming safety

The Playstation VR system was released nationwide Thursday. The new gadget paired with a playstation four allows users to immerse themselves in a virtual gaming experience. However research is still limited as to the effects this may have on the children who use them.

The VR is only recommended for children 13 and older, but local psychologist Kathy Seifert says vulnerable children shouldn’t use these games at all. Vulnerable meaning children who might have mental or behavioral disorders and those who may be at risk for violence.  

Seifert said for those children it may be hard for them to differentiate between what’s virtual and what is real and it may cause them to react poorly to negative stimulus.  

Seifert also encourages parents to use the virtual reality system first before letting their kids use it.  

“Screening and reviewing these games are absolutely important and if you wouldn’t put your child in that situation in reality, it’s probably not a good idea to put the child in that situation in virtual reality,” Seifert said. 

Now with the holiday season right around the corner many parents may be looking to get the VR system for kids, but Seifert recommends waiting at least a year.

“I would recommend waiting for my children I would not be buying one these systems before I knew the impact on the developing brain. How is this going to change brain structures and the way children react to things,” Seifert said. 

The Playstation VR retails at $399.