Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this virtual world (in beta version) was created by the Build-A-Bear Workshop, which sells customizable bears and other stuffed animals online and in stores. To register, visitors must only provide an email address (under 13, a parent's email address) and name. Certain site features are restricted to visitors who own a Build-A-Bear toy (which comes with a code) -- this may frustrate kids and prompt them to ask for one. There are two chat options: safe chat, which limits users to a pre-approved list of common phrases, and open filtered chat, which checks chat against a dictionary of approved words. (Open chat is only available to users with a Build-A-Bear code.) For younger kids, there's the potential for hurt feelings, since other users can ignore their requests to be friends or to chat.
Families can talk about online safety and what's appropriate to share on a online. You can also discuss how to apply the social skills you learned in the virtual world to life offline: How would you approach a new friend? What would you do if someone was bothering you? Families can talk to older kids about how sites market their own merchandise.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Susan Yudt
Kids who've bought a Build-A-Bear teddy bear or other animal will get the most out of BUILDABEARVILLE.COM, a virtual world that allows visitors to bring their furry friends along for games and other activities. Users start by creating a human avatar from a wide palette of features (though it should be noted that the default is a blue-eyed blonde); those who have a toy get a "cub condo" they can decorate. While exploring Bearville hangouts like the Skate Park, Bear University, and the Furbulous Fashion District, kids can chat, befriend, trade, and play multi-player games with each other, such as soccer and hide-and-seek. Many of the more complex games and activities are only available to code-holders; however, there are plenty of fun things to do for those traveling solo.
One highlight is the Friendship Forest Photo Safari -- point and click to capture photos of animals as they fly or scurry across the lush landscape, and check out the resulting photo album. Or, head to the Pawforming Arts Center to play DJ Furbulous -- choose a song, then adjust the levels of bass, organ, and other instruments to create a new mix. Kids can customize their own soundtrack to Bearville, choosing from more than 20 songs to play as they cruise around this fun and engaging town.
For other fun sites that require a real-life toy, check out ShiningStars.com or Webkinz.com.
Reviewed: 02/12/2008
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LanguageSafe chat offers a list of common, friendly phrases; open chat is checked against a list of approved words. |
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Social BehaviorKids could feel rejected if chat or friend requests are ignored. |
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CommercialismTo access all features of the site, users must own a Build-A-Bear. There are some links to the Build-A-Bear product site. Also, kids can collect virtual money and use it to buy clothing, accessories, etc. within the game. |
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Educational ValueMany of the games encourage creativity or exercise problem-solving and math skills. |
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