Immersive technology such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) offer children incredible opportunities. They can also put children at risk of child sexual abuse (CSA) and child sexual exploitation (CSE).
We commissioned Limina Immersive to research the risks in emerging technologies to help us identify how these risks might effectively be mitigated.
The research included interviews and focus groups with experts in emerging technologies, a literature review, primary data collection through visits to virtual reality platforms and additional desk-based research.
Based on the findings, and with support from Limina Immersive, the NSPCC has developed recommendations for government and industry on how to ensure children can remain safe in the metaverse.
Authors: Catherine Allen and Verity McIntosh
Offenders are using immersive technology to groom, coerce, sexually abuse and exploit children.
We’ve published an additional guide to the essential concepts and technologies to be aware of when thinking about child safeguarding in extended realities (XR), such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
This paper provides:
Please cite as:
Allen, C. and McIntosh, V. (2023) Child safeguarding and immersive technologies: an outline of the risks. London: NSPCC.
McIntosh, V. and Allen, C. (2023) Child safeguarding and immersive technologies: key concepts. London: NSPCC.
Our service is designed to help keep children safe online where there are concerns of online sexual abuse and prevent technology-assisted child sexual abuse (TA-CSA). It's also available as a virtual offer.
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