Potential dangers with virtual reality headsets concern doctors, parents

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Virtual reality headsets are predicted to be one of the hottest gifts this holiday season, but doctors are raising concerns about whether the gadgets could cause health problems especially in young children.

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Virtual reality has people literally falling over themselves, as it immerses them into a 3D world of sport, adventure and even danger. But these virtual reality headsets, expected to be on a lot of kids' Christmas lists, are causing real world concerns.

"Virtual reality is still a very new technology and is still evolving and we really don't know yet what the impact may be on children," said Dr. Rudrani Banik.

She believes these headsets could cause long term issues for young children.

"In virtual reality, basically the brain is only getting input from the eyes," said Banik. "And we don't know if that isolated input is really going to have an impact on the other senses on how we integrate and, experience."

The technology is so new that it hasn't been studied. Manufacturers of virtual reality headsets warn they're not for young kids. Samsung says its products are for kids 13 and up. While PlayStation recommends their products for kids 12 and up.

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The truth is, no one really knows the impact. So in the meantime, what's a parent to do?

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