Sony's confirmation comes by way of the PlayStation 4's incoming 3.50 software update, which appears to be preparing the console for the future launch of PlayStation VR. As well as an age warning, the company offers standard recommendations like clearing your VR area and taking steps "to prevent pets, children, or other obstacles entering the area during use."



Image credit: KGrizzly, Reddit.

For the Vive, there's no age restriction on the headset yet, but we've asked HTC what its guidance will be on the VR headset once it begins shipping pre-orders.

As virtual reality becomes more widespread, headsets will become key instruments inside schools and other educational establishments. But right now VR companies are being cautious. Oculus CEO Palmer Luckey, when he isn't mocking Macs for their mediocre gaming capabilities, has repeatedly talked up the benefits of VR in the classroom, but is waiting for the public to become accustomed to virtual reality experiences before relaxing its age ratings.

That won't stop some people from letting their children use PlayStation VR, of course, and rightly so. Even the early VR experiences show the merits of strapping on a headset and immersing yourself in another world. Usage can be closely monitored but the bigger issue might be trying to stop kids from encountering content rated for adults, which could do a lot more emotional damage than a little bit of motion sickness.