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Fresbo World (http://www.fresboworld.com)

common sense media says

Pay-as-you-go world with users of all ages is a risky bet.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this vast virtual world is integrated onto all of the major social networks -- Facebook, MySpace, Friendster, and Bebo -- so users can import all of their contacts into the game and meet up with them. The site lets users design an avatar, build a home, play games with friends, and chat. To succeed, you have to buy credits with real cash or play a lot to earn points -- or both.

Educational value: Some games require logical thinking, spatial relations, creativity, and math skills.
Positive messages: Site rules prohibit abusive behavior and sexually explicit language -- but it does go on in users' chat.
Violence: Current featured game is Pass the Bomb, in which you try to give a bomb to another player before it explodes. If it explodes, they wind up with a charred and jarred face.
Sex: Banner ads for a dating site.
Language: Doesn't seem to be any chat filters -- piss, damn, hell, s--t -- were present in the chat. There's a virtual home called Highway to Hell.
Consumerism: Real money is required to get to the good stuff. Purchasing from partners will also earn credits; partners include gambling, dating, surveys, and sweepstakes. Some banner ads aren't appropriate for tweens and teens.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

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What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about what kids should do if they are a target or witness of abusive behavior online. If kids think someone should be reported on the site, do they know what to do and what information to collect for administrators? Read our Internet Safety Tips for Middle School Kids.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Fresbo World has all the usual virtual world features: avatars, shopping, decorating, email, chat, pet adoption, and games. The big difference here is that users can build their own complex worlds -- a big draw for creative types. But this site has two big caveats: the age range of players and the ongoing cost of playing. Since the site is embedded into social networking sites, there's a wide range of ages playing at any one time, so chat is a free-for-all. And, while there are plenty of cool things to do in Fresbo World, money is required to get to the good stuff.

This review was written by Dana Cotter
 
 

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
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