Children's Online Safety Risks and Ethical Considerations in XR Games

TL;DR

This paper investigates safety risks and ethical issues in children's XR games, analyzing design patterns, developer practices, and children's experiences to promote safer, child-centered XR environments.

Contribution

It identifies harmful XR design patterns, highlights developer collaboration in risky ideas, and advocates for ethical frameworks tailored to children's immersive experiences.

Findings

Identified specific harmful design patterns in XR games.

Documented children's firsthand safety concerns.

Called for child-centered ethical guidelines in XR development.

Abstract

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.