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  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Engaging virtual world for teens and adults.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Users have a lot of opportunities to be creative and exercise their critical-thinking skills -- this isn't a passive Web site.
  • Messages:

    As in most virtual worlds, there are a few bad apples, but the community is generally respectful and friendly. Teens could feel rejected if other users ignore them. Although the avatar options are racially and ethnically diverse, there's only one body type: skinny.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    The site forbids "profane" and "pornographic" behavior. Avatar bodies aren't sexualized, and the clothing choices are modest. Still, keeping the site clean depends on the vigilance of moderators and other users.
  • Language:

    The site prohibits profanity -- and the chat feature censors it -- but some users get around it with words like "a$$."
  • Consumerism:

    Users can earn tokens to buy goods and services. The site plans to introduce a premium membership fee, as well as a second type of virtual currency that can be purchased with real money.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Nightclubs serve up coffee and root beer.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About SmallWorlds

Parents need to know that this browser-based virtual world attracts both teens and adults. The site prohibits profanity and obscene content, and there's very little to be found that violates these standards; by and large, the current community is dedicated to good, clean fun. There's no charge to sign up, but a premium membership is in the works, along with other commercial endeavors.

Read our full review by betsyb

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what's safe to discuss online and what's not. How do you know whether you can trust someone enough to make them a "friend" and share personal information? Some of the missions encourage users to interact with each other, so families can talk about how this kind of interaction compares with offline socializing. Families can also discuss what's a reasonable amount of time to spend on this site, since it's very easy to get carried away.

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Our Members Say

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See all 10 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Safety is an issue
    • User content isn't age appropriate

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages

    I play this game, and I am 24 years old. I find that it is good for people over the age of 18 (where drinking and sex become legal). Many times you go into Clubs and bars. and even though it doesn't say (rum and coke) the drinks do say (fizzy drink) fruity drink (root beer pint) (speed) (bubbley) and they are all in glasses that can be compared to the adult drinks. not only this but users and get into a bath tub together. surly not something we want our children to be doing. There is alot of talk about sex and people even alert for sex. And there is not nearly enough information about how kids can be safe. not giving out their personal info etc. Also Smallworlds automatically links to people's networking sites (facebook, myspace) This feature cannot be shut off. you have to go to your account daily and remove the site. with all of that being said. I find this game great for adults, it has good communication, and good skills for teaching self worth, money things etc. it is much better tahn if ur kid is out on the street. personally I would not let my kid on the site if she was under age 16. but I am on it.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    PERFECT FOR 11 OR 12 AND OVER!

    I LOVE IT! im a kid. thats why 76% says absolutley. because when smalworlds dosnt load, it brings u to links with the word smallworlds in it. Lots of kids rate but i love it and its really good and not that raunchy. its ok for tweens. 11 and over i belive.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • User content is age appropriate

    Stay safe! And have fun!

    You no what..?? I freaking love smallworlds. And i no some parents might say..NO AND **BLAH BLAH BLAH**. But if you stay safe and you dont talk to any starnge people on this website then whats really the problem. And yes there is some people that have weired names like sexy babe. i mean EWWW i no but its dont mean you have to talk to them!! One thing i hate are low lifes on smallworlds. They shouldnt be asking for sex and evan going out!! I have nice friends on smallworlds. Not every avater i talk to becomes my friend. I mean im not that stupid. I become there friend because i trust them. And i no i no i mean Who would trust somone on a game? I no thats what i thougt but then thees safty rules and all that!!...Ok ok all im trying to say is STAY SAFE AND YOU WILL HAVE A GREAT TIMEE!!

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • User content isn't age appropriate

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    perfect for kids 13 and over

    i love smallworlds. i have been a member since last november and it says that you HAVE to be 13 and over to be on smallworlds. and there is also the option of reporting people who have broken the rules

  5. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative message
    • Safety is an issue
    • User content isn't age appropriate

    Just talk to them and talk to them and talk to them; etc.

    My 12 year old niece is on here and I have noticed offensive language and sexually suggestive material. But, what can you do ? ? You can't re-raise all the kids in the world. Solo108 Louisville, Ky.

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