Tools for this page
Print

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 6.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Starter virtual world offers good safety measures.

On this site kids can:   buy stuff, chat, create an avatar, do activities, learn responsible online behavior, play games, play in a virtual world, play multiplayer games
updated 10.28.09

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 6–7

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    There are a few educational games. But the most prevalent educational component of this site is providing a safe place for young Internet users to play within a virtual world just for them.

  • User-created content:

    As in most virtual worlds, kids can decorate their character's personalized "room" and buy items for them to wear, use or decorate with their own "U Bucks."

  • Messages:

    This site suggests a well-planned virtual world can be safe and fun for kids as young as age five with features such as pre-scripted chat messages, as well as some fun games and some educational games.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Banner ads for services oddly geared toward adults, such as Lenscrafters and a text service whose ad reads: "Spice up your txt chat." Also, the site advertises its own members-only club for $5.95/mo.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

How safe is it?

  • Personal privacy:

    Players' username is the only personal information that other players can see, and the site offers kids and parents reminders not to use the child's name in any way in the user name. There is no way to contact any other player personally via email or otherwise.

  • Online interaction:

    Pre-defined chatting, multiplayer games.

  • Parental controls:

    A parents-only login helps parents keep tabs on their child's account. Parents can also read the pre-determined chat phrases.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About MyUville

Parents need to know that this Webby Award-winning virtual worlds site is a fine introduction into virtual worlds for the youngest Internet users. Created for ages 5-12, the features here may not keep the attention of many kids older than seven or eight. The games, virtual world images and items to buy with "U Bucks" kids earn on the site are cute -- but not necessarily all that engaging compared to other, more established virtual world sites for kids. Safety measures are the high point of this site.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Whether talking in pre-scripted chat messages is worthwhile for your child? Is it fun to talk to someone online in this way? What's the difference between talking to a friend you know, and talking to a "friend" on the computer using messages pre-determined by someone else?
  • Even though safety on this site is quite tight, it's never too early to discuss online safety in virtual worlds with your children. Read Common Sense Media's Guide to Online Worlds for Young Kids Tips.
  • Why sites like this offer "free" access and "member", for a fee, access. How can you and your child decide together when a site is really worth the extra cost for "premium memberships?" A price like $5.95/mo. (or even $59.95/year) may not sound like much to your young Internet user until you discuss what other essentials your family could spend that money on -- or how much your child would end up with in 20 years if they saved that much per month.
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Use this Web site? Review It!

  • What did you think about MyUville?

  •  I think this Web site is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    New Moon Is Rising

    New Moon Is Rising

    Fans are gearing up for the 11/20 release.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Must See TV

    Age 7+
    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Download This

    Age 3+
    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Acccchhhoooo!" A funny reminder to help kids fight the flu.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.