Tools for this page
Print

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 17.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Deserted NYC virtual world has potential dangers.

Why We Rated This not for kids

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Teens might discover new bands or types of music they like, but there's no educational content.
 

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Image is everything -- the lesson here is about looking cool and hanging out in hip places. Also, the avatars are extremely white -- no skin color darker than "tan," and few other choices representing people of color.

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Some of the avatar outfits are skimpy. Users can report inappropriate behavior, but sexual content isn't categorically off limits.

  • Language:

    Language isn't restricted, and profanity (including "f--k" and "c--t") pops up in a few profiles.

  • Consumerism:

    Promotes hip venues and businesses on the real Lower East Side, including links to their Web sites. Also promotes bands and events.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Most of the places you can visit on VLES are bars and clubs.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About VLES

Parents need to know that this social networking-meets-virtual reality site from MTV says users must be 18+, but kids can get around this by entering an earlier birth date. There aren't many avatars roaming around, so inappropriate content wasn't a problem, but since the site is 18+, profanity and sexual content are not off limits. (Users are encouraged repeatedly to report abuse to moderators, though.) Registration requires first and last name, email address, and location. To access the virtual world, users must download software. Teens have many opportunities to visit the Web sites for the virtual businesses (including bars and clubs) featured.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about safety with social networking sites. How do you know if you can trust someone online? What are the potential pitfalls of sharing personal information online? What kind of information is off limits? Families can also talk about virtual communities and identity. What appeals to teens about using an avatar rather than a true identity? What does an avatar tell you about the real person behind it? What kind of identity does this site seem to think is cool?
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Use this Web site? Review It!

  • What did you think about VLES?

  •  I think this Web site is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Age 7+
    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Book of the Week

    Age 15+
    Lips Touch Three Times

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Wildly inventive, wonderful fairy tales for mature teens.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Game of the Week

    Age 8+
    LEGO Rock Band

    LEGO Rock Band

    Simplified, no-fail Rock Band with a whimsical story.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.