Shidonni (http://www.shidonni.com)

common sense media says

Safe, creative virtual world is fun but needs better tools.


parents & educators say
  • 50% say there are positive messages
  • 50% say it's educational

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this virtual world is safe and age-appropriate for younger kids. Kids have to know their real-life friends' user names in order to add them as online friends -- there's no way to "friend" strangers. However, parents should note that friends can send each other messages, and there's no language filter on what they can type.

Educational value: Kids can get creative drawing their animals and environments.
Positive messages: Kids could get upset if their requests to be friends are ignored.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: There are no ads. Users can purchase a premium membership ($5.95 for one month) to access extra features.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Shidonni

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about setting limits on online game play. How can you balance computer play with playing in the "real" world? Families can also talk about safety with virtual worlds and social networking. How do you know if you can trust someone enough to make them your online friend?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

By letting users draw their own animals, habitats, and accessories, Shidonni puts a creative spin on virtual pet sites like Club Penguin and Webkinz. However, Shidonni's interface isn't very intuitive -- parents may have to help younger kids master the basic commands. And good luck trying to draw an animal that's more sophisticated than a bug ... or even a pet rock. Overall, Shidonni gets the thumbs-up for its creative concept and cute features -- like drawing snacks to feed your creature -- but could use an upgrade in user-friendliness.


This review was written by Susan Yudt
 
 

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What parents & educators say

5
Based on 6 parent & educator reviews:
  • 50% say there are positive messages
  • 50% say it's educational

Most useful reviews by all members

 
do you love it
i love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RainbowRaptor
kid, 12 years old
 
I know its weird for a 10 year old girl to still be playing a game like this but it's so cool! Kids can draw their animals and they come to life! You can also draw food for your animals. But I could do without the membership just so you could get more colors and stuff. You can also request for your animal to be turned into a plushie but its very expensive (about $70.00+)

gtsstl
educator and parent of 6 , 9 , 15 , and 18 year old
 
Used this with lots of students aged 6-9. They all love it. A very safe way to introduce social networking and virtual worlds to young children. Builds on Kid Pix skills and includes simple games. Experience grows as use leads to more features (tools, books, games) emerging. Students continue to send me animals and messages over the summer.

BarbaraStrauss
parent of 12 year old
 
great for early elementary school
*://www2.shidonni* - no more readymade items kids need to buy. I LOVE that the prizes are new creative tools as opposed to virtual money and products.

Beththebrave
kid, 12 years old
 
Perfect for anyone!
It's awesome! I joined a few months ago and I'm eleven! All the animals are adorable, and you can buy a stuffed version of it and enter shows... Awesome!

janek
kid, 11 years old
 
THIS SITE IS SOOOO COOL!

karinajohnson
parent of 5 and 8 year old
 
A great website for kids
This is a great website! It has a "Shidonni Pro" option for a small fee, but it is super fun with or without.

anjoem2
kid, 9 years old
 
tell me
can how to get to this site i don`t know how to get there

Leevanlog
parent of 7 and 7 year old
 
Brilliant website! Educationa, affirming and fun!
Wow! LOVE this site. My 5 year old daughters discovered this recently and now we battle for our own computer time. They love drawing their own creatures and delight when they come to life! What's great is that the more they play, the more games they enjoy, the more design tools are added. I am dumfounded at the rate at which they've picked it all up and watching them enjoy it so much is such a pleasure!

naamak
adult
 
I think it's a great site. My daughter is crazy about it, she's drawing new animals all the time and she is very excited about the whole thing.

KYRA588
kid, 0 years old
 
U.S.A FUN
LOVE IT

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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