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Pokemon (http://www.pokemon.com)

common sense media says

Meaningful life lessons amid barrage of marketing hype.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this action-packed game, news, and video site has some good lessons in betwen all they hype. You can make your own Trainer avatar and play games, learn about in-person organized Pokemon game activities in your area, watch the Pokemon TV series, and learn about new video games and movies.

Educational value: Organizing, matching, sorting, and other basic math skills in games. Memorizing names and other features of different Pokemon. Knowing your role in a situation helps determine a better outcome.
Positive messages: Good guys win. Teamwork works. "Know your opponent, know yourself and you will be unstoppable."
Violence: Some battles with explosions, fire, and light flashes -- but nothing graphic. Robberies and such happen, but police show up and bad guys always get defeated.
Sex: Some mild suggestions of romantic interest between boy and girl characters, but nothing else.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: The site is all about Pokemon products and events -- cards, competitons, games, movies, shows. While content on the site itself is "free," players earn tokens by playing the games that they can "spend" on the site to buy stuff for their avatar. 
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Privacy & safety: Kids' names and birthdates are required for registration process, but not shown on their profile. Parents have to create an account for the child to register, and they must give approval for the child to have an account.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Pokemon

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the amazing marketing machine Pokemon creators have built. How much money and time do you consider worthwhile to spend on Pokemon cards, video games, movies, and toys? Do you think you can still have fun with Pokemon without buying everything targeted at you? Read Kids' Social Sites and the Buying Bug.
  • Families can talk about getting involved locally with other kids at local Pokemon events.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Clear simple games, seasons' worth of Pokemon shows and tons of information on the hundreds of Pokemon characters create a one-stop shop for all things Pokemon. If kids can tune out the sales pitch and get through the marketing hubbub, they may actually learn from the organization and negotiation skills that Pokemon play requires. Even better, they can get info on in-person events to meet more Pokemon fans in their area.
This review was written by Dana Villamagna
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

natalie2011
kid, 8 years old
7
 
pokemon
im 7
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helped me decide (15) | had useful details (14) | read my mind (12)
mikeeme12
teen, 16 years old
9
 
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helped me decide (12) | had useful details (12) | read my mind (17)
kirby123
kid, 10 years old
5
 
ok
ok
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helped me decide (11) | had useful details (11) | read my mind (13)
haruhifan100
kid, 10 years old
4
 
Nothing wrong with this site
The show gives positive messages. Worried parents might think that when one of the monsters defeat each other, they are dead. But they are just knocked out for a little while, that's all.
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helped me decide (13) | had useful details (11) | read my mind (11)
allpex
parent of 8 year old
5
 
deck modular | deck modular
very good
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helped me decide (13) | had useful details (10) | read my mind (11)
elisevdw
kid, 13 years old
10
 
pokemon is the best
love it: good!!!!!!
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helped me decide (11) | had useful details (12) | read my mind (11)

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About our rating system
ON: Content is 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
Our child development rating guidelines