www.techdecklive.com)

common sense media says

Skateboarding goes virtual; chat coming soon.

parents & educators say

36% say it's educational
36% say there are positive messages

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this site was created as a companion to the Tech Deck line of products by Spin Master and has yet to officially launch. In addition to "skateboarding" online, users will soon have the ability to chat with others (no word if the chat will be controlled with preselected messages or not), post to boards (for now they seem really clean), and send private messages. Although the site is being marketed as a free site, there's a paid subscription program in the works that will offer premium content. The site also has links to both Spin Master and the Tech Deck product site.

Educational value: Not applicable.

Positive messages: The site cultivates a little bit of a ruffian spirit. In the game Dodging Traffic players get bonus points for spray painting trains.

Violence: Not applicable.

Sex: Some of the female skater characters can be customized to wear suggestive outfits, like midriff-baring tight T-shirts. In contrast, male characters wear baggy clothing and are usually covered up in pants and long T-shirts.

Language: It is against the Terms of Use for members of the site to harass or make negative comments to other members. The boards are clean, but the chat hasn't launched yet so it may -- or may not -- contain foul language.

Consumerism: The Web site is an offshoot of the Tech Deck finger skateboards toys from Spin Master. The site features links to both Spin Master and the Tech Deck product site.

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 virtual hobbies versus real-world pursuits. Skateboarding seems to be something that would be enjoyed because of its physicality. Do you think a site that allows users to perform online tricks will find an audience? Will these online skateboarding moves require the same amount of skill and practice that real skateboarding does? What are the pros and cons to online and offline play?

Is it any good?

Thankfully, when Tech Deck made the leap from reality to virtual reality, the fingertip skaters transformed into real people, albeit heavily-stylized cartoon skaters. But the philosophy hasn't changed: show off skating tricks without the risk of falling. The danger is removed, but so is the exercise component and some of the fun. The site does best when it doesn't try to be too cool. From the looks of the sample game Dodging Traffic, a Frogger-inspired challenge that's super fun to play, the site should be a big hit with younger skater boys and girls.

This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp

Review It

What parents & educators say

Based on 14 parent & educator reviews:

36% say it's educational
36% say there are positive messages
29% say language is an issue

Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

laith
parent of 10 , 10 , and 10 , 10 , 10 , 10 , 10 , 10 year old

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What other families should know

TechDeckLive (http://www.techdecklive.com)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on TechDeckLive

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

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Review TechDeckLive

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

be

techdeck is awesome

LIL PEOPLE IN TECH DECK LIVE IS AWSOME

perfect for kids ages 8+

mio9

THE BEST GAME IN THE WORLD!

techdecks rule

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