Understanding the Link Between Virtual Reality Immersion and Sensory Integration: Recognizing Opportunity- and Risk Potential for School-Age Users, and How to Address Them

Sensory integration is central to perceptual processing of real-world stimuli, and thus to understanding how virtual reality (VR) “tricks” the senses. Based on literature review and expert-interviews, we discussed (1) how sensory functions relate to body self-image, (2) how sensory experiences affect identity-development, and (3) what opportunities and risks VR-immersion presents for schoolchildren. Results strongly advise VR-users ’ development-age should be considered before VR-immersion, to minimize development-disruption potential. This mandates, (i) age-appropriate VR-software selection, based on immersion-criteria descriptors, and (ii) application of detailed use-recommendations, including sensory-intervention strategies. Both, descriptors and use-recommendations are introduced here, and support safe VR-use with schoolchildren.