See more website reviews

Games.MySpace (http://games.myspace.com)

common sense media says

Some games OK for kids, but MySpace.com isn't.

parents & educators say
Be the first to review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this site is an extension of the ultra-popular, social networking site MySpace.com. Most of the games are well-crafted fun, although some are laced with crude humor, gambling, and unnecessary violence. Yet the site's reassurance that "even if you have never played computer games before, this is the perfect place to start," along with the many simple games geared toward young players and the requirement to create a MySpace page to play multiplayer games raises the concern that players under 14 will be attracted to this site and, as a result, MySpace, too early. The site isn't moderated or fully monitored, so chat and comments can contain some iffy stuff.

Educational value: While some games include math, spelling and strategy, these games are not primarily educational.
Positive messages: Most of these games, while visually appealing and entertaining, may quickly become effective time-wasters for many teens.
Violence: Some games include violent images. Hangman includes image of a stickman being killed by torture devices; a self-inflicted gunshot to the head ending in a pool of red blood; an electrocution in a bathtub; and more.
Sex: Ads include "Meet Local Girls," "How to Flirt," and secrets to keeping a man attracted so he will "Never Leave You."
Language: On multiplayer games, language is unpredictable depending upon who is logged into that game. Chat feature is optional, and not monitored. As with most online chat or multiplayer situations, it's completely unpredictable whether the banter will be appropriate for kids or not.
Consumerism: Many large ads, including lots of MySpace hype and tie-ins. Many ads are not child-friendly, with adult dating themes.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Games.MySpace

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how young is too young to have a MySpace account. Rules are you must be 14, but many teens older than 14 may not be ready for that slice of life and the Internet safety savvy that is required. A safer option: Have your game fan play only the single-player games and, therefore, avoid signing up for a MySpace page.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
This site has plenty of options, which makes it fun for kids who have a wide interest in gaming, from cards and complex strategy to simple bubble popping games. That said, very few of the games would qualify as substantially educational and many may be considered time wasters by some parents. While MySpace maintains the rights to monitor chats and anything posted on its sites, it is not a moderated or fully-monitored, kid-style chat setup: MySpace does not claim responsibility for anything posted so content may vary widely depending upon who's playing a game. Thankfully, there is a "report abuse" feature on the multiplayer games for inappropriate posts.
This review was written by Dana Villamagna
 
 

Review It

 

Review Games.MySpace

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

There aren’t any reviews yet. Ask your friends to review this title.

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you visit Games.MySpace?

Absolutely
Maybe
No way

Already visited it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more websites
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines