Virtual Reality Risks for Children in the Metaverse: An Examination through Criminological Perspectives

Author:   Elena Martellozzo (University of Edinburgh, Childlight Global Child Safety Institute and Moray House School of Education and Sport) ,  Paula Bradbury (Middlesex University) ,  Ruby Farr (University of East London) ,  Julia Davidson (University of East London)
Publisher:   Cambridge University Press
ISBN:  

9781009620130


Pages:   75
Publication Date:   02 April 2026
Format:   Paperback
Availability:   Not yet available, will be POD   Availability explained
This item is yet to be released. You can pre-order this item and we will dispatch it to you upon it's release. This is a print on demand item which is still yet to be released.

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Virtual Reality Risks for Children in the Metaverse: An Examination through Criminological Perspectives


Overview

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.

Full Product Details

Author:   Elena Martellozzo (University of Edinburgh, Childlight Global Child Safety Institute and Moray House School of Education and Sport) ,  Paula Bradbury (Middlesex University) ,  Ruby Farr (University of East London) ,  Julia Davidson (University of East London)
Publisher:   Cambridge University Press
Imprint:   Cambridge University Press
ISBN:  

9781009620130


ISBN 10:   1009620134
Pages:   75
Publication Date:   02 April 2026
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Forthcoming
Availability:   Not yet available, will be POD   Availability explained
This item is yet to be released. You can pre-order this item and we will dispatch it to you upon it's release. This is a print on demand item which is still yet to be released.

Table of Contents

1. Contextualising online harms in the metaverse; 2. Offending and victimisation: an application of criminological theory to a virtual reality paradigm; 3. Methods, ethics and challenges; 4. Perceptions of positivity and risk in metaverse platforms: the voices of children; 5. Detection, protection and disruption: challenges in policy and professional practice; 6. Conclusions: rethinking safeguarding in a world that flows; List of abbreviations; References.

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