VMind Acceptable Use and Safeguarding Policy 

AnotherSpace VR believes that it is always unacceptable for a child young person to experience abuse of any kind and recognises it has responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all children and young people by a commitment to practices which protects them.  

The VMind Safeguarding Policy is designed to enable as many young people as possible to benefit from using VMind whilst ensuring their safety. The policy provides a framework for the development and usage of VMind that aims protects young people from any abuse or maltreatment, prevents harm to children's health or development, and supports young people to have the best outcomes. 

Background 

VMind is virtual reality software developed by Another Space VR in coalition with expert stakeholders to support young people aged 12+ with emotion regulation. The content is based on recognised psychological framework ‘mindfulness based therapy’ (MBT).  

All development and design of software has included schools, young people and clinical experts and academics. This is to ensure both relevance, acceptability, and safety of all users. AnotherSpace VR have a commitment to a continued development of software that includes these stakeholders. 

VMind currently runs on Virtual Reality hardware PICO G2 4K. This hardware has been selected for distribution alongside the VMind software in order to support the safeguarding process of young people accessing the VMind software. 

In addition to the virtual reality hardware, the VMind content is also available in 2D online format via a weblink and can be accessed across multiple device platforms. This policy applies to both the virtual reality content and the online replication of this content. 

This policy applies to all stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of VMind technology (including content contributors, mental health practitioners, clinicians, academics, schools, suppliers and employees of AnotherSpaceVR Ltd). 

Customers 

All customers using VMind software are expected to have safeguarding and child protection policies operational in their organisations. VMind should only be implemented within the remit of the safeguarding policies of the customer organisation. 

Software development processes 

The development of the VMind software adheres to a set of guidelines to support the safeguarding of any adult or young person operating the software. 

  • All content has been designed to omit risks of addictive behaviours in relation to technology e.g., gamification techniques are not utilised. 

  • VMind has been developed to be user agnostic to ensure accessibility to minority groups and all demographics. Whilst multiple language options are not yet included in the technology, all young people can still benefit therapeutically from the software content. 

  • Simple user operations are built into the software to enable easy access or exit of any session or content without specialist technical knowledge or skillsets 

  • The virtual reality software is built to be utilised in a sitting position with no requirement for movement around the room, to remove risk of injury whilst in virtual reality. 

  • Colour coding for ease of navigation is embedded within the technology to support ease of use with non-literate young people. 

  • The risk of motion sickness has been minimised through a number of factors including, screen resolution, frame rate, sitting position for usage.  

  • All content has been reviewed and ratified by experts and young people in order to ensure it cannot cause harm. 

  • VMind is a closed environment meaning no other people can gain access to a session while in use.   

Hardware feature sets 

  • The headset material where the face makes contact can be cleaned with antibacterial wipes between sessions. 

  • Easily removable if a user feels the need to stop using VMind for any reason. 

  • Lightweight and balanced weight distribution design to remove strain from wearing a virtual reality headset. 

  • The hardware is supplied with VMind software that loads instantly when switched on. Menus and access to other areas of the hardware have been hidden from the user. 

  • Whilst VMind uses internet connection to apply software updates, VMind does not need wifi to operate; removing the risks of accessing external content.  

Technology training and usage 

Each organisation is consulted on the operational use of VMind, with operating instructions and training provided where required. We expect our customers to ensure sensible use of the technology. We support our customers to understand the best way in which they can utilise the technology within their organisation; however some guidelines apply to all organisations and are detailed below: 

  • Young people under the age of 16 should always be observed by an adult when using VMind. 

  • This technology should never be used as an alternative to professional clinical support for young people. 

  • Schools should gain consent for use of VMind for young people under the age of 16 from a parent or guardian, unless individual organisational policy negates this requirement. 

  • No young person should ever be coerced into VMind software without consent. 

  • Any young person who wants to stop using VMind should be encouraged to do so immediately. 

  • If any young person feels sick when using VMind, they should be encouraged to stop using VMind. A user who feels sick when using VR but wishes to still use VMind should be encouraged to try building up usage over time from a few minutes per session until they no longer feel sick when using VR. 

  • We encourage all customers to provide feedback and make feature requests as a result of usage with young people, this will enable AnotherSpace VR to provide product enhancements that can support better outcomes for young people. 

End User Licence Agreement and Terms and Conditions 

The software contains an end user licence agreement and it is encouraged that all users of the software read and accept the terms. All customers must accept the terms and conditions of use supplied upon purchase of the VMind technology. 

Policy review 

Monitoring will take place at regular intervals, annually or as issues occur e.g., in the light of any significant new developments in the development of software technology, new hardware selections, new threats to e-safety or incidents that have taken place.