‘Go Play Outside’ just got more complicated.
The metaverse is a term you might have heard a lot in relation to emerging technology – its the reason Mark Zuckerberg changed the name of his company to Meta in 2021. Hype around the metaverse has drifted in recent years, and its loosely seen as an innovative yet complex virtual environment that’s quickly emerging as the next online frontier.
The best current example is the gaming platform Roblox, which has about 90 million active daily users, many of whom are under 16. Young people deserve to be safe in these spaces, and Standards Australia have developed a draft standard to address the challenges of kids in the metaverse. I’ve contributed to this project and am sharing key ways parents, carers and teachers can keep up with the rapid changes in gaming and online cultures
These immersive online gaming spaces often feel as futuristic to us as The Jetsons felt to our parents! Keeping up with emerging trends and technological change can feel overwhelming and daunting.
With some simple mindset shifts around how we can support positive, meaningful participation in these spaces, we can teach important social-emotional and character-building skills for young people.
Here are 5 practical tips to support your child’s psychological wellbeing (while enjoying activities) in the metaverse.
- Explore virtual worlds together (with curiosity).
Why: Engaging in shared activities in the metaverse helps parents understand the platforms their children use and the social dynamics they experience. Just like reading a book, watching a TV show or playing a ball game together, parents can create opportunities to hang out with their kids in online spaces to deepen their understanding of both the technical and psychological components of the games
How: Choose a game or ‘experience’ to play together, co-design an avatar, or participate in some of the educational experiences the metaverse hosts. Use these moments to model positive behaviours and to leapfrog into discussions about appropriate online interactions. Parents can demonstrate a sense of technical Bringing curiosity to the conversation and learn more about how the metaverse meets three psychological needs.
- Set clear boundaries (collaboratively)
Why: Establishing clear expectations and agreements co-operatively around the what, when, where and why of digital play and ‘screentime’, can help children feel heard and respected while learning key skills of self-regulation, transitioning between activities and managing their time.
How: Co-create a digital diet for time in the metaverse, by discussing the activities that are helpful and those that might feel harmful, and create a menu of ways to foster healthy use. Use visual aids like a schedule or checklist and emphasise the need to blend offline responsibilities and activities (like outdoor play and family connections) with time spent in immersive worlds. For more guidance try this.
- Create an open dialogue around online experiences (without shame)
Why: Immersive environments can amplify the social-emotional impacts young people might encounter, for example: misunderstandings with friends, challenges within games around teamwork or competitive situations. Creating a relationship where young people feel they can talk freely, without shame, judgement or feeling invalidated will help foster a relationship in which kids do reach out for help when situations might go wobbly online
How: Regularly but nonchalantly ask about their interactions in the metaverse. Focus on eliciting open responses that help young people verbalise their experiences and feelings. For example, ‘what did you do today online that you were proud of?’ or ‘what challenges came up for you today when playing <name the game or experience to show you know what they’re playing and are actively interested!>?’. Normalise conversations about online experiences and interactions (of all kinds) to foster resilience and trust.
- Empower them as co-creators of safe spaces
Why: Involving children in decisions about digital safety and wellbeing builds their agency and critical thinking skills, modelling help seeking behaviours and empowering them to foster their own wellbeing.
How: Collaboratively research privacy settings and any updates and improvements to platforms that are announced. Customise parental controls and discuss how they are protective (while allowing appropriate participation). Learn about how to identify and report inappropriate content together. Encourage young people to suggest rules or solutions, reinforcing their role as active participants in maintaining a positive digital environment.
- Guide identity exploration through self-reflection
Why: Avatars and online personas allow children to experiment with identity, maintain their naturally creative and expansive imaginations, but they can also shape self-esteem and body image.
How: Encourage discussions about their avatar choices and evolution —how these reflect their personality, creativity, or aspirations. Notice how they are representing themselves and ask curious open-ended questions to spark reflective thinking. Keep in mind not all avatar choices are anything more than fun!
Final Thought:
By exploring and (having fun!) applying these ideas, parents can ensure their children not only thrive in the metaverse but also develop essential digital literacy and emotional skills for navigating this digital frontier. This participatory, mindful approach aligns with the core principles of my Digital Nutrition philosophy, promoting psychological wellbeing and meaningful engagement in online spaces.
NEED MORE NON JUDGY GUIDANCE? Check out my Tech Use Agreement course for ages 8-18.
