 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
IMVU
Common Sense Media says
Sophisticated chat world has sexual content.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that IMVU (Instant Messaging Virtual Universe) is a 3-D chat world that has some adult content. The most explicit content (such as nudity) is restricted to users 18+ who buy an Access Pass, but kids might find sexual talk or behavior in public areas if they're looking for it. There's no restriction on language.
What kids can learn
IMVU wasn't created with educational intent, and we don't recommend it for learning.
Skills
- Thinking & Reasoning
- Creativity
- Self-Direction
- Emotional Development
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Responsibility & Ethics
- Tech Skillsdigital creation
- Health & Fitness
What's it about?
IMVU combines a downloadable chat program and an online social networking site that includes user profiles, messaging, groups, and other common social features. Chat rooms are rendered in 3-D, and users create avatars that can chat and perform different actions. A basic membership is free and comes with a limited number of credits, which can be used to buy avatar-related items. For about $10 a month, users can upgrade to VIP status, which gives them access to a wider variety of features, enabling them to create and host chat rooms, sell virtual goods, and more.
Is it any good?
IMVU gives users lots of options when it comes to avatars, rooms, and groups, but its most complex, unique features are limited to those who pay for VIP membership. Only VIPs can create content like rooms and virtual goods to sell. IMVU uses a strong verification process to keep users under 18 from getting the adult Access Pass, but there seem to be cracks in the system that allow adult content to filter out into public areas, making the site iffy for users under 18.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about Internet safety and establish rules for using the site safely and responsibly. What are the potential pitfalls of sharing personal information online? What kind of information is off-limits?
Why are some virtual worlds better for kids than others?
What kids can learn
IMVU wasn't created with educational intent, and we don't recommend it for learning.
Skills
- Thinking & Reasoning:
- Creativity:
- Self-Direction:
- Emotional Development:
- Communication:
- Collaboration:
- Responsibility & Ethics:
- Tech Skills: digital creation
- Health & Fitness:
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 11 years old
August 8, 2010
AGE
This is not SAFE!
Well i have played and they do use cyber sex and my parents let me continue on the website but then it was an issue but i knew to get off of it when a teenager asked me where i live, whats your address,don't worry i wont hurt u,i will take care of u and i will make u feel good so i ran to my mom and i was to be asked to never be on there again the guy got in trouble and found out he was 30.so it can happen to teens to so thank u and thank u for listening!
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Parent of 4 year old
April 6, 2011
AGE
Relax and think about the positive's that can come from con's
I am 22 and have been using IMVU for about 5 years and have seen just about everything. It is what you make it. There are millions of people using this program and even more on the internet alone. Just like you teach your children about safety's outside of IMVU and the internet. You teach them about the dangers over the internet, as well. You can't be there all the time and it's up to you to warn them ahead of time of the consequences of the decisions they could make. Over the years, I have seen IMVU make many changes and continue to change for the better. IMVU is great in many ways and myself have learned a lot from it. The people I have met on IMVU have been mostly great, everyone has there own agendas on there, but most people are respectful and if they are not its very easy to close the window and leave. You always have the power in those situations and at a even safer distance. Just like if a stranger tried to offer your kid a ride you tell them to scream for "help" and run. On IMVU or any sort of chat site you tell your kids to say NO and close the window. My aunt also use's it and it is a great way for us to keep in touch and a lot of other close friends. She allows her children to use it and controls everything they do on IMVU. They have their friends from school on it in a room that their mother picked out for them to use to hang out in.
Simply, if your kids are going on there looking for sexual people and items then they are going to find it, just like in the real world. That being said it's obvious for teens and up. I think we are all aware on what it's like to be a teen. They are going to do it one way or another if they want. Probably, shouldn't be so over-protective or all your hair will fall out! =]
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Teen, 15 years old
February 18, 2011
AGE
its alright..i mean...so clothes in the catalog IS disturbing...the chat rooms can become dirty but...you can find friendship chat rooms instead of fools or 18+ people makeing out online...which is totaly NOT RIGHT! NEVER DATE ON IMVU! if your looking for something like this...please go look up the sims 3
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Adult
October 9, 2010
AGE
only good for the rich and mentally stable, def not for children
IMVU is a rip off, it's an addiction. My adult daughter is slightly mentally handicapped and is so sucked in by all the fake crapped. She spends half of her SSI buying clothing and other junk just to make this myspace like chatroom rich and it never sinks in that she is giving money away for nothing, She cannot wear those clothes herself or decorate her own home with the fake furniture. Many times she has had to come asking me for food because she spent her grocery money for a stupid card allowing her special credits for the game. Once sucked in by the game it's like a drug where you can never get enough. My daughter has cried when so called friends degrade her if she doesn't keep buying cards to make her avitar more popular, I suppose it is ok for those who can afford it and are mentally stable enough to realize IMVU is not real life but for someone like my daughter it is not good and who ever came up with the game... shame on you for taking advantage of people in the manner you do.
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Teen, 16 years old
August 27, 2009
AGE
Get your 11 year old daughter off the internet.
I have been reading the reviews and I noticed that everyone was complaining about the sexual content and innapropriate speech. I have also noticed that almost every review was from a child from the age of 11-13. To me they shouldn't even be on the internet unmonitered. They are still young, I mean im 16 but I'm very mature for my age. But what I'm saying is that young kids can easily attract a virus to your computer by not knowing what they are doing. And yes IMVU can be a little offensive but why is your 11 year old daughter on it? If you do not like your child on IMVU than you can block the side under parental controls. But instead you all want to rant and rave about IMVU being a very innapropriate site. That is your opinion, and the only way that you can see the innapropriate content is, like everyone has been saying, an access pass. You have to have access to a credit card and you have to be 18 years or older with a verefied account. I recommend that a child 14 years or older can play this game with no harm. If they are any younger they shouldn't even be able to type that well and this is a typing software. Us teenagers use it as a hobby, we can show off our virtual avatars and increase our social skills. Yes some people have boyfriends and girlfriends and even some married, but I dont see any harm in that. It's not unhealthy or wierd, sometimes people like your personallity more than your looks and IMVU can be that chance. I have noticed that IMVU was crowded with innapropriate content but know it has switched management and its undergoing alot of changes, and slowly but surely it is correcting all of the innapropriate products and behavior. This is a good past time and it can even get you into development, helping you educationally by teaching you 3d software and design. But I think i've taken up alot of your raving and ranting time and i'll let you go so you can let ur kids on the internet. Oh btw facebook and myspace is no different, people can still have "sexual conversations" with your kids. In conclusion QUIT giving IMVU a hard time. Its a great product and an addicting hobby. Thank you so much :)JessyJeter. Avatar name iKarnage.
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Parent
January 24, 2011
AGE
Not for children or even teens
I myself go on the site, I love creating the graphics. But, it is NOT a site for kids or even teens...the first thing you are greeted with in most chat rooms is "do you have a webcam?" and I have been asked for photos, I have been asked for my cell number to chat on the phone by men in other countries, I have had very inexplicit sexual desires given to me...by men and woman. It's not a place for kids.
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Adult
February 1, 2011
AGE
I feel it should be banned completely from the PC.
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Parent of 3 and 9 year old
June 14, 2010
AGE
band it form pc
My daughter is Internetpro and she is right this website includes Sex and this website is for no meer child to get close up to this website down right horrbile
P.s my daughter wrote this but this is what i thought
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Kid, 9 years old
December 23, 2010
AGE
Its alright
I have seen so many adds for it so I thought it might be fun not
about the boys I just liked the rooms and when I logged on I
faked my age on purpose to see if it was safe no it isn't I logged myself on to 18 in one minute I am also on stardoll I recomend stardoll you get friends and for older kids talk a little deeper and I know thousands of people who as my friends already are on it and we chat.now IMVU is a STUPID USELESS GAME and thats just the start.definletly over 20 thats when I plan to get a boyfriend seriously.but it would be GREAT for 20 up.Like if you have money and are sensible then its perfect but I would NOT reccomend for under 18 at the very least.
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Parent of 15 year old
November 4, 2010
AGE
Not appropriate for impressionable children.
As a long time user of imvu I feel I need to point out a management flaw in the way the service is run. Instead of fixing long standing existing bugs in the client, they continue to add new features, many that the users scream they do not want. Until imvu gets their act together, it is not a wise investment of anyone's money. If someone needs to try it out, do not waste any money upgrading to an AP account, the experience is the same. Safety appears to be a secondary concern to imvu also. They have a report for abuse system for the users, but all they ever do is give copy and paste responses to support requests that they obviously have not read. Ever time you file a ticket to report abuse and you state all of the steps you have already taken to stop it, they will send you a copy and paste message back telling you to do what you have already stated you have done. They have inadequate age confirmation systems in place, so that children can get access to the more adult portion of the site, and predators can and do easily pose as minors.
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| Genre: | Virtual Worlds |
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