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Hallpass (http://hallpass.com/)

common sense media says

Game-packed site with too much gore.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that kids who use this game-centric site can contact other users, but the recipient's email address will be hidden for privacy. Kids can also block email from other members. To participate in forums, track scores, or challenge friends, users must be older than 13 (although the site doesn't verify that) and register using an email address. Many of the games are quite violent and bloody. The site discourages iffy behavior like harassing other members, and some users act as monitors. But although users can report bad posts and administrators say they'll remove inappropriate material, things clearly slip through.

Educational value: Not applicable.
Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: Many of the games feature fighting, killing, and lots of blood. In one, for example, players repeatedly kill a stick man using things like an atomic bomb or an arrow.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Swearing appears to be somewhat accepted, because even message board moderators use words like "ass" in posts. Some games contain words like "hell."
Consumerism: The site has some ads for things like cereal, and some of the games list sponsors.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Message board posts such as "I plan to get obnoxiously drunk/high tonight" can be found.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Hallpass

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about why it might be a good idea to block all email from other users when kids register for a site. Why would it be worth making that change in your profile settings, instead of just blocking one person at a time if they bother you? What kind of things should you be concerned about strangers emailing you?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Although kids may find the games at Hallpass.com easy and fun to play, many of them are really violent, with characters fighting to the (somewhat bloody) death. One game is all about repeatedly killing a stick man using things like an atomic bomb or an arrow. The site's logic games could also be more positive. It would be nice if several weren't called "idiot games," or if users didn't start out being ranked as a "complete idiot" (ouch).

Another potential concern is the site's message boards. They're loosely monitored and can contain links to personal sites and things like a video (which looked a little too real to be considered funny) of a man getting suddenly -- and possibly fatally -- hit by a car. Parents may be able to screen the site and find some appropriate games for kids. There certainly are some harmless dress-up, sports, and other games. But with all the violence and potentially offensive message board chatter, letting a kid wander through the full game list unsupervised probably isn't the best idea.

This review was written by Erin Brereton
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

messenger
parent of 6 year old
10
 
it is a game site what do you expect
all game sites will have violence but i have looked at hallpass for a long time the site has been becoming more and more family friendly what is now it cut out a huge section to make it more apportate for kids so this site cares a lot more about the well being of kids than most sites this is one site i would let my kid on
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helped me decide (9) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (7)
Scream
kid, 12 years old
10
 
Whatcha talkin bout, gore? This is a sissy site.
All of the games suck. Ya have to look hard to find a decent one.
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (2)

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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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