MoshiMonsters (http://www.moshimonsters.com)
common sense media says
Take care of creatures and learn a little in virtual world.
parents & educators say
- 34% say safety or privacy is an issue
- 32% say there are positive messages
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the Moshi Monsters virtual world site is more entertainment than educational. Kids take care of cute little creatures and earn points to "buy" stuff for their computer-based pet while being introduced to online social networking. There are numerous ways for kids to interact here, although most of the site's focus seems to be on playing games, caring for your own pet, and decorating your own virtual world. Even so, make sure your child knows how to block unwanted friend requests and report posts that are rude or inappropriate, just in case. There's a reassuring section for parents that explains the site's concept and safety measures.
Educational value:
You won't find traditional spelling tests or flash card-style learning here. Kids can play brief but worthwhile logic, reading, math, and spatial relations games. Also, monsters "talk" to their owners with script in cartoon bubbles, encouraging reading and learning some detailed vocabulary about emotions.
Violence:
Not applicable.
Sex:
Not applicable.
Language:
Topics on forums range from friendly to feisty, sometimes even a little mean-spirited. There are ways to flag inappropriate message on forums and the other places here where comments are posted.
Consumerism:
The Moshi Monster online store is brimming with the site's brand -- from $50 Moshi Monster shoes to less pricey offerings like stickers, bags, and posters. Membership to the site is promoted as a way to get more features.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Not applicable.
Privacy & safety:
The site collects date of birth, gender, country of origin, and a parent's email address for players under 13 or the player's email address for those 13 and over, and like most sites uses cookies to collect additional information. Site complies with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
Parents are notified and must verify approval when a child under 13 signs up for an account.
More on MoshiMonsters
Review It
Based on 41 parent & educator reviews:
- 34% say safety or privacy is an issue
- 32% say there are positive messages
- 27% say it's educational
Most useful reviews by all members
Zoe Grace1
kid, 11 years old
kid, 11 years old
Annoying Nagging Website
Moshi Monsters Is Great... Until They Start Nagging For Membership Moshi Monsters Used To Be A Kid Friendly Website Until They Introduced More Member Features These Include
Game Starcade Gift island (Send Gifts Best Frind Ever Exetra) The Port Which Includes 4 Shops You Can Change Colour Shake A Rox Tree Go To Harrods And Underground Disco More Moshiling Seeds (A.K.A More Moshlings) A Moshling Zoo Upgrade Your Tree House Also Non Members Are Looked Down On By Members And The Language Is Not Always Safe This includes Swearing And Stuff Like That This due To No Live Moderaters
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Lew2583
parent of 8 and 9 year old
parent of 8 and 9 year old
Harmless except for the free range messaging
The Pinboard (messaging) is the only problem with this site. The user can read all messages on their friends' pinboard, and the friends who are friends with their friends. So even after taking the time to make sure my daughter is only friends with children she knows who are her age, she can read the messages from other children we don't know who may not be monitored by their parents
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princesssugarplum
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
i love moshi monsters!!!
i have 6 moshi monsters and i go on them all every day i love it and it taught my 10 yr. old brother so many flags from the game flag frenzy. i love it! :')
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jazeytunesgrl1
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
good for all
it is great i love "it it is the best website i have ever been on" my kid 13 year old daughter ally said it is just so much fun i am so glad i found out about it from her
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lilsister1212
kid, 11 years old
kid, 11 years old
I would rate it iffy for 9,10, and 11 year olds.
I think Moshi Monsters is a website where if you are 9,10,or 11, you should go on there with your parents. They might not let you on because you can type WHATEVER you want to on your pinboard. Some bad people post BAD STUFF. Talk to your parents before going on Moshi Monsters. Other than the pinboard, I think it is a good website. Also, if you want to become a member, it takes money. You can have up to 11 best friends and go to exclusive places. I was a member once but, I don't think being a member is that great. And for example with the pinboard, this one person asked me for my password and my parent's credit card number. But, there is educational games at the Puzzle Palace for Daily Challenges and Hall Of Puzzles.
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songsparrow
adult
adult
Parents, keep a close eye on what your children are sharing here.
The following part of the Common Sense Media review is inaccurate or outdated: "The limited social networking features allow kids to send free form messages only to friends whose email addresses they already know, and to send prescripted messages to others who they approve to be their friends."
Kids can send unlimited messages to their friends on their pinboards, including friends they've met in the game and do not know offline, and often seem to share personal information that they shouldn't (name, school, location).
Therefore, I recommend that parents keep a close eye on what their children are sharing. It's a good opportunity to set, and explain, rules about what it is and is not appropriate to share online.
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SmileyRiley2468
kid, 10 years old
kid, 10 years old
Grew Out Of It Way To Quickly
It is a very fun game, but I warn you: DO NOT GET THE MEMBERSHIP. After a few moths you will notice you only go on the website occasionally, and that it is not worth the money. I am 10 and feel a little to old for this game.
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Hiya55karate84627
kid, 10 years old
kid, 10 years old
Great!
This website is good. It has many games, and it is pretty safe. They have a forum, too! Common Sense Media is right when they said forums can get friendly to fiesty. It doesn't appear often on Moshi Monsters, though.
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mother mary
parent of 6 and 9 year old
parent of 6 and 9 year old
hours of fun, subscription option can be a nagging issue
My girls are addicted to this site, the only downside is that there is an optional monthly subscription that allows more functionality. It's easy for the girls to see online which of their friends have subscribed and have more "moshlings" and such... now they are begging for the subscription
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love170
parent of 11 year old
parent of 11 year old
I want people in it or my 16 year old wont go on it no more
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bananabob
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
I LOVE IT!!!!!!
I LOVE IT!!!!!!
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mrs.eckert
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
this is a good review
i love it.
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1louder
kid, 11 years old
kid, 11 years old
Fantastic site
I really like it, and how it also mixes fun, friendships, safety and education into one website for kids (and adults) of all ages. Kids can chat to their friends in a safe way, and if they are inappropriate they can be reported to their parents! It is also clever how they add the care element in; monsters cannot level up and get more items unless their owners look after them, and overall I would definitley reccommend this to any parent and child. One thing that is a problem tough is that certain things cannot be obtain without purchases.
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natcat1982
kid, 8 years old
kid, 8 years old
moshi moshi MOSHI!!!!!
yo moshi THE bes website i EVER seen!!!! add me im evil7154!! and STRANGE GLOVE ALERT!!!!!!
AHHHHH!!!!!!! SUPER MOSHIS HELLLLPPP!!!
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