www.pogo.com)

common sense media says

Game site loaded with ads and prize money.

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this site is open to anyone 13 and up, but the number of adult players, gambling games (you have to be 18 to gamble here), and real prize money makes it a less-than-ideal hangout for game-loving teens. Also, playing the free games requires wading through streams of ads for everything from credit cards to baby food. To nix the ads and get other perks, users must pay $5.99 a month for a membership. The unmonitored chat rooms are grouped by age (teen to 50+), but you have no way of knowing if people are really the age they say they are -- and some chat rooms are listed as "uncensored." At least members have the option of chatting in private rooms.

Educational value: Some games, like the word games, require brain work. Others are mindless.

Positive messages: Site touts Vegas-style gambling games and promises cash prizes.

Violence: Not applicable.

Sex: While none observed, some of the unmonitored chat areas are listed specifically as "uncensored."

Language: There's no monitoring, and some comments on chat boards are mean-spirited and not intended for kids.

Consumerism: Tons of pop up, banner, and other ads. Must pay $5.99/month or $39.99/year for special club access.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about why consistently playing games that have prize money may not be a healthy habit. How do Las Vegas-style games become addicting to some people? Which games require some skill and thought and which don't?

Is it any good?

While many of the free games are engaging, fun, and educational, others are pure gambling -- with thousands of dollars in prize money to lure people (those over 18) into playing to win, win, win. All are filled to the brim with ads from seemingly every big-name company in America.

Overall, Pogo.com's games appear harmless -- and even enlightening -- yet for younger game enthusiasts, many of them mirror real-life gambling too closely. As a result, some teens may be playing with an addictive fire that they don't yet know when or how to put out.

This review was written by Dana Villamagna

Review It

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

nascarfanmomof3
parent of and 3 , 7 , 12 year old

I love this site but if I let my kids play on it the chat is off!! That the only thing that concerns me on this site some chat just should not be seen by kids.

What other families should know

Pogo (http://www.pogo.com)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on Pogo

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Review It

Review Pogo

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

becarful what you are going to ...

Great for those rainy days

WOHA

Pogo Review

awesome site

Pogo Is not what it is made out to be.

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families

Age-appropriate reviews

Advice on the big issues

vote now

Will you visit Pogo?

Already visited it? What do you think?

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more websites

About our rating system

Browse our library of reviews

See what our editors recommend