 | 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. |
SeapalsWorld
Common Sense Media says
Undersea Webkinz makes marine biology fun.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this virtual world is a fun, educational site that focuses on marine life. A la Webkinz.com, buy a sea turtle, dolphin, reef shark, or other stuffed toy and get a code to enter to play with the virtual version of your animal. The site provides kids with their animal's own virtual aquarium and "tubestation" leading to games, chats, and a store (players earn Pearl Points to buy stuff to decorate their animal's Seapad). Seapalsworld.com says it's appropriate for ages 5-12 but younger kids who don't read well may get quickly frustrated by the games and the skills needed to navigate the site.
What's it about?
SEAPALSWORLD.COM mirrors the ultra-popular Webkinz.com concept but has more educational segments -- all focused on marine life and the environment -- and better graphics. Pre-determined chat text and single or multiplayer games are safe and fun for reading players, but may be frustrating for pre- or early readers. Like Webkinz, there's a buying component to this site. Players earn Pearl Points to buy stuff to decorate their animal's Seapad.
Is it any good?
Since this is a relatively new site, the multiplayer games can be quiet, meaning kids have to wait a while before another online player shows up, so single player games may be more fun at this point. Overall, though, SeapalsWorld.com is a beautiful edutainment-style site -- if you can balance the message of commercialism with environmentalism with your Seapal fan, who may get a mixed message that buying more stuffed animals equals saving the environment.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about being a good digital citizen. How should you interact with others online? What's not appropriate? Families can also discuss the pros and cons of computer play. How can you balance computer play with playing in the "real" world? Also, what about the responsibilities of caring for something -- even if it's virtual? What do you need to do to care for a pet?
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AGE
Looks good... but it doesn't work!!!
What happened to the site??? It's been down for a week now. I can't seem to contact or even find the folks who maintain the site. If anyone has info... please forward to albgg77@yahoo*
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AGE
*seapalsworld is not working at all
There is no access to this website. All you have is a small expensive stuffed animal. The web info is useless.Are they out of business?
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AGE
UNHAPPY
My daughter also bought one of these critters and cant get on site. I also emailed company no feed back or help. Site a total scam..................
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AGE
Webkinz Under Water
This is JUST like webkinz underwater. This got me TOTALLY interested in marine biology and now, i want to do a book report on it.
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AGE
Frustrated with the Company
We would like to know if it is any good. Purchased it in Oct. at Atlantis in the Bahamas. My daughter couldn't wait to get home to try it. When we entered the code, it says it is not a valid code. I have e-mailed Seapals World twice at the e-mail address given in the help section after trying the help tips. I even forwarded my e-mail to Russ. No answer from anyone. This is my first time to leave negative feedback on anything.
Frustrated.
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