Virtual Reality Risks for Children in the Metaverse

Elena Martellozzo, Paula Bradbury, Ruby Farr, Julia Davidson

ISBN 10: 1009620134 / ISBN 13: 9781009620130

Published by Cambridge University Press, GB, 2026

About this Item

This Element explores online harms experienced by children in the metaverse and considers the implications through a criminological lens. Drawing on research from the VIRRAC project, funded by REPHRAIN, it includes insights from industry experts, practitioners, and young people. The Element examines how criminological theories help us understand children's experiences online, while highlighting gaps in knowledge, resources, and training among professionals responsible for safeguarding against online harms, particularly child sexual exploitation and abuse in metaverse spaces. It explores complexities faced by those trying to detect, prevent, and respond to online harms in immersive environments, revealing the challenges of professional practice in this field. By amplifying children's voices, the Element offers critical findings on their needs for support and safety. Combining research and practical perspectives, it informs future policy and interventions to better protect vulnerable children in virtual reality platforms. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.

Seller Inventory # LU-9781009620130

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Virtual Reality Risks for Children in the Metaverse
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press, GB
• Publication Date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1009620134
• ISBN 13: 9781009620130
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Weight: 159 grams

About this title

Synopsis

This Element explores online harms experienced by children in the metaverse and considers the implications through a criminological lens. Drawing on research from the VIRRAC project, funded by REPHRAIN, it includes insights from industry experts, practitioners, and young people. The Element examines how criminological theories help us understand children's experiences online, while highlighting gaps in knowledge, resources, and training among professionals responsible for safeguarding against online harms, particularly child sexual exploitation and abuse in metaverse spaces. It explores complexities faced by those trying to detect, prevent, and respond to online harms in immersive environments, revealing the challenges of professional practice in this field. By amplifying children's voices, the Element offers critical findings on their needs for support and safety. Combining research and practical perspectives, it informs future policy and interventions to better protect vulnerable children in virtual reality platforms. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.