| 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. |
Parents need to know that some of the games on this site are free, but most of them require a subscription. The site is primarily targeted at kids 6 and up, but a "junior" section has easier games and different cartoon characters for kids ages 3-6 (kids under 6 can't access the games in the area for older kids without parental consent). Both areas are safe environments with no outside links or ads, and full participation requires parental consent via email. Chat needs to be enabled by a parent, too, and the site uses a tool that prohibits users from providing personal information or using unapproved language. Some games and areas aren't immediately easy to navigate, and younger kids might need some help.
KIDSTUDIO.COM is a colorful online playground for kids. Young users create their own avatar to explore the worlds of characters like The Doodlebops, Di-Gata Defenders, Strawberry Shortcake, Sushi Pack, and Totally Spies. Kids can help Holly Hobbie make lemonade, pick the sounds for Angela Anaconda's new cartoon, become a secret agent at the Totally Spies Academy, or catch tiger moths in Silverwing's colony. Other games are more combat-focused, like fighting off the evil Invectids with the Spider Riders. In Kid Studio Jr., younger kids can play dress-up, test their motor skills to catch petals, and learn more about wild animals.
Its high-quality graphics, fun music, and extensive sound effects make KidStudio.com a compelling place for kids to explore. Even better, it's one where they're protected from advertising and product placement. While some games are mildly violent, they're tame compared to others out there. Users without a subscription might find it frustrating to see all the features available to those willing to pay, but there's enough free stuff to keep kids busy on the site for a good while.
Families can talk about what makes some virtual gaming worlds more compelling than others. When you spend time on sites like these, is chat as appealing as the games? Is it easier to chat and make friends with other kids when you're using the identity of your avatar than it is to be yourself with kids you already know? Why or why not? Is it easy for things to be misunderstood while chatting? How can this kind of thing be avoided? How do you feel about sites that have a subscription fee compared to those that are free? Are the games on the ones you have to pay for better than the free ones? Is it better to pay a fee than to be on a site with lots of ads?
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