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  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 4, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 5.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Safe, fun global village to explore from Sesame.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 5 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Through exploration and age-appropriate, simple games, kids learn about language, culture, and geography.
  • Messages:

    By visiting friends around the world, kids learn about cultural similarities and differences and develop a sense of community.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    The site is available in several languages.
  • Consumerism:

    No ads, just logos of organizations that fund the Panwapa project.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Panwapa

Parents need to know that this highly interactive Sesame Workshop site is a safe and fun introduction to simple social networking -- and a part of a global initiative to teach kids how to be good world citizens. Kids create an avatar that can visit other kids' avatars around the world, leaving friendly, prescripted messages and learning about other cultures and languages. No personal information is collected, and there's no inappropriate content. Six characters provide voice-over instructions for kids, but it's best to have parents guide them through the site using the "For Caregivers" materials.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what age is right to use a computer and what are healthy computer habits to get into. What information is OK to share online? What is appropriate behavior when you interact with others online? Families can also talk about the benefits of learning a second language and learning about different cultures.

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 4.0

    It's OKAY

    Panwapa is quite fun although there isnt alot to do but it is fun.

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