We use Pico G2 4K headsets. You can find out more information about Pico headsets by clicking here. You can also find out more information about the Pico G2 4K headset in the product user manual by clicking here. All of our headsets are controlled from a central device, which allows us to manage VR time and pause the content every 1-2 minutes. Any pupils who experience discomfort using a VR headset can use a tablet as an alternative device for accessing our workshops. 

We recommend that pupils with epilepsy or those who are prone to seizures consult with their doctor before using a virtual reality headset.

A tablet can be provided as an alternative device for those who can’t access a VR headset during our workshops. 

Virtual reality headsets can cause some people to experience dizziness, eye strain, discomfort or vertigo. The UK Association of Optometrists, has stated that “some people do suffer from temporary symptoms such as nausea, dry or irritable eyes, headaches or eyestrain” but they have also reported that there is no reliable evidence to suggest that VR headsets cause permanent deterioration in eyesight in children or adults. Studies which have been conducted into the short-term use of VR headsets revealed no deterioration in eyesight.          

To ensure that everyone feels comfortable during our workshops we share a health and safety video prior to our arrival which helps pupils to identify any of the short-term side effects listed above. A member of our team will also recap the main points at the start of every workshop. 

To help minimise any potential side effects, we always recommend during our workshops that pupils share one headset between two to allow for frequent breaks. If any pupils experience symptoms of discomfort, they will be told to remove their headset straight away and a tablet will be provided as an alternative device for viewing our content.

Our VR headsets are cleaned at the start and end of the school day using Clinell Universal Wipes, which are proven to be effective against 99.999% of germs in as little as 10-60 seconds. These wipes are used by the NHS, and their efficacy report can be found here.

There is no universally accepted age for using VR. Manufacturers set their own recommendations for using their headsets. For example, Meta and PlayStation have a recommended age of 10 and 12 years old, respectively. Other providers, such as ClassVR, that only sell their headsets for educational purposes, state that they are suitable for all ages.

Although the headsets that we use have a recommended age of 12 years old in the product manual, we consulted directly with the manufacturer, Pico Europe, before starting our workshops and they advised that children from 8 years of age can use their headsets as long as the devices are operated by one of their partners, under adult supervision. 

Following consultation with Pico, and based on the additional safety measures we have implemented, we believe our workshops provide a safe and controlled environment for KS2 children to use VR for short periods (1–2 minutes at a time) as a one-off educational experience.

Pico VR headsets are being used with children under the age of 12 years old within a range of other settings. For example, hospitals are using Pico headsets as a way of distracting children who are anxious before procedures.  Example articles on this can be accessed on the BBC by clicking here and the NHS website by clicking here. Pico headsets are also being used to treat amblyopia (lazy eye) in children between the ages of 4-7 years old. You can read more about this by clicking here. We continue to monitor research about the use of virtual reality with children and to our knowledge, there is currently no research to suggest that it will have a detrimental effect on a child’s health, particularly when used for a short period of time under adult supervision.

However, if a parent or guardian does not want their child to use a VR headset, we can provide a tablet as an alternative device for accessing our workshops.

Before participating in one of our workshops, children are required to watch a health and safety video. You can watch this by clicking here. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@primevr.co.uk. 

Parental or guardian consent is required for all pupils. It is the responsibility of the school to ensure that appropriate consent has been obtained prior to participation.

For pupils who do not wish to use the headset, or where consent has not been granted, a tablet will be provided as an alternative.

A template permission slip is included in the school’s booking confirmation email.

VR is a relatively new technology and no long-term studies have been conducted around its impact. However, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, there is no reason to be concerned that VR headsets will damage eye development, health or function. You can read more about this by clicking here. 

Based on our research and consultation with Pico, we designed our workshops to provide pupils with the safest possible environment to experience VR for short periods of time for educational purposes only. We’ve implemented the following safety measures during our workshops:

1. Every VR workshop is supervised and delivered by an experienced member of our team.
   
   

2. Our workshops are delivered with pupils sharing one VR headset between two. This is to limit VR time and provide regular breaks. Our workshops last 30-45 minutes with each class and during this time, a child will only use the headset for a maximum of 10 minutes (this time is split up into 1-2 minute segments). In between using a VR headset, we engage with pupils by asking questions, creating discussions and by setting mini activities.

3. All VR headsets are controlled by a central device so that the experience can be paused every 1-2 minutes to ensure regular breaks. This also ensures that only specific educational content can be accessed on our headsets. 

4. All pupils will be required to sit down during their workshop to prevent any accidents.

5. Pupils will watch a health and safety video before our arrival and a member of our team will also deliver a briefing at the start of every workshop.  If any pupils experience discomfort (nausea, headaches or eye strain) while using a VR headset, they will be told to remove it straight away. A tablet can be provided as an alternative device for accessing our workshops. You can watch our health and safety video by clicking here. 

Based on the additional safety measures we’ve implemented, alongside adult supervision, we believe all of KS2 and above can experience VR for short periods of time for educational purposes only. Please note, if you do not want your child to use a VR headset, please inform the school and we will be able to provide a tablet as an alternative device for accessing our workshops. If you have any further questions about our workshops, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing info@primevr.co.uk.

Yes. At the start of every workshop, we deliver a safety briefing to outline expectations. We also remind pupils that if they feel uncomfortable using a headset, they should remove it immediately.

Before our visit, teachers are asked to share a health and safety video with their class. This is recapped at the start of the workshop to ensure understanding. You can watch this video by clicking here.

Yes. Prior to our visit, we provide schools with a health and safety video, which we ask teachers to share with their class in advance of the workshop. At the start of each session, we recap the key points with pupils to ensure everyone understands.

You can watch the video by clicking here.

Yes. We bring tablets as an alternative to using a headset. If a pupil feels uncomfortable or a parent/guardian prefers a different option, a tablet can be used instead. Tablets display the same content as our VR headsets, ensuring pupils can still participate in discussions and activities.

Yes. You can access our risk assessment by clicking here.