Metaverse and mentoring? Opportunities for digital restorative practices

A decade ago, the notion of mentoring in the metaverse might have sounded like science fiction. But in 2025, it’s an increasingly relevant discussion. With virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and other immersive technologies now more integrated into everyday life, it’s time to seriously consider how these digital spaces could reshape support systems for young people. Can the intimacy and relational strength of mentoring survive — and even thrive — in a virtual world?

At the heart of mentoring lies human connection. It’s about guidance, trust, encouragement, and the sharing of experience. Traditionally, this relationship has flourished in in-person settings: in classrooms, youth centres, community programs, or even over shared cups of coffee. But as young people spend more of their social, emotional, and cognitive lives online — in games, social platforms, and virtual communities — it becomes both a challenge and an opportunity to meet them where they are.

Enter the metaverse: a collective term for immersive, often persistent digital spaces where users interact through avatars in real time. Whether through VR headsets, augmented overlays, or 3D platforms, the metaverse is rapidly becoming a place where young people learn, socialize, and form their identities. So, could it also be a space where they are mentored, supported, and empowered?

The idea isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds. Already, we’re seeing pilot projects that use VR for education, social-emotional learning, and even therapy. These environments offer unique advantages. First, they eliminate geographic barriers. A mentor in Barcelona could connect with a youth in a remote village in Romania without either of them leaving their homes. Second, the immersive nature of VR can foster a strong sense of presence, making virtual interactions feel remarkably real — sometimes even more focused than physical ones, given the lack of outside distractions.

Moreover, the anonymity and personalization of avatars might allow young people to express themselves more freely, especially those who are neurodivergent, anxious, or dealing with stigma. A well-designed metaverse environment can feel safer and more empowering than a school hallway or a local drop-in centre.

But this new frontier also raises complex questions.

What happens to empathy, subtle body language, or non-verbal cues in avatar-driven interaction? Can trust be built in a space where people appear however they choose? How do we ensure digital safety, emotional boundaries, and ethical standards in platforms largely built for entertainment or commerce?

There’s also the question of access. While many young people are digitally connected, immersive technologies like VR headsets are still expensive and not universally available. Using the metaverse for mentoring must be accompanied by a serious commitment to digital equity, or we risk widening the very gaps we aim to close.

And then there’s the bigger picture: what kind of digital culture are we building for youth? The metaverse has already attracted criticism for instances of harassment, toxic behavior, and the commercialization of identity. Bringing mentorship into this space means not only adapting to its rules but also striving to transform its culture. Mentoring, at its best, is a counter-narrative to isolation, insecurity, and aggression — it’s about modelling dignity, dialogue, and resilience.

So, how might this look in practice?

Imagine a VR mentorship hub designed specifically for youth support. Avatars meet in digital spaces resembling calm parks, art studios, or cozy libraries. Young people set goals, talk through challenges, or simply hang out with trusted mentors who guide, listen, and offer perspective. Group sessions could simulate real-life peer circles, encouraging collaborative learning and restorative conversations. Skills could be practiced through gamified role-play, feedback loops, and immersive storytelling. The possibilities are enormous — as long as we build with purpose.

Incorporating restorative practices into these virtual mentorship spaces is especially promising. Restorative principles emphasize listening, empathy, accountability, and connection — all elements that technology often dilutes. But if intentionally designed, immersive environments can amplify these values. Structured virtual circles, digital talking pieces, and restorative prompts can be embedded in the very architecture of the space.

Moreover, in contexts where young people are recovering from harm — whether from bullying, exclusion, or conflict — restorative mentoring in virtual environments can offer a unique path forward. It provides a space that is both distanced (which can help with emotional safety) and deeply immersive (which can foster relational depth). The key is not to replicate the real world, but to reimagine new, human-centered ones.

This is precisely where RestorativU — the youth-centered branch of the Restorativ ecosystem — steps in. RestorativU combines the flexibility of digital tools with the relational core of restorative practices. As young people move increasingly into hybrid spaces, RestorativU ensures that mentoring remains grounded in empathy and ethics, regardless of format. Whether through its support for digital circles, structured mentoring pathways, or secure communication tools, RestorativU brings intentionality and coherence to the mentoring process.

Likewise, Restorativ offers a robust platform that aligns with the needs of facilitators, mentors, and institutions aiming to extend support into virtual spaces. Its emphasis on secure, ethical, and user-friendly environments makes it an ideal partner for designing mentorship experiences that honor the complexity of young people’s lives — both online and offline.

As we look to the future, the question is not whether digital mentoring will happen in the metaverse, but how. Will it replicate existing inequalities or innovate towards inclusion? Will it be driven by commerce or by care? With the right frameworks, tools, and values, we can shape this new frontier into a space where connection, guidance, and support don’t just survive — they flourish.