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Tiny Planets (http://www.tinyplanets.com/)

common sense media says

Safe, planet-themed virtual world with free and paid play.

parents & educators say
See all 3 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the space-themed TinyPlanets.com virtual world automatically suggests usernames when upon registration and only offers preselected chat phrases, so there's no chance of kids entering inappropriate words or providing personal information. Kids don't have to submit an email address or any other personal information to register for the site. Kids earn "star" points by playing games and participating in other activities on the site, and then spend the points to purchase spaceships and a wide variety of buildings, landscapes, atmospheres and other features to customize their planets. But there’s a fair amount of content that’s only accessible to users who purchase “keys” with real money. A 10-pack of keys, which buys one video clip viewing, costs $1.95.

Educational value: The site is designed to encourage learning in a fun way. It offers puzzles to help younger kids learn letters and numbers, plus lesson plans and activity ideas for preschoolers. Lots of minigames for elementary-aged kids that incorporate reading, math, or science. There's also an emphasis on environmentalism.
Positive messages: The site strives to make learning about planets and other topics fun.
Violence: Some games features lasers and small explosions, generally from blowing up meteors, asteroids, etc.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Parents can purchase the site's currency -- keys -- by signing up for a parent account. Keys are required to purchase premium content, such as interactive books and accessories for a player's avatar.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Privacy & safety: You can use the site without providing any personal information. Parents can sign up for an account to purchase keys, the site currency, for kids to use to buy extra items on the site.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Tiny Planets

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • Families can talk about paying for virtual goods. Is a website more fun if you have to pay to do some of the activities? Or is it more fun if there are more things to see and do that are free? Why do websites charge to access certain areas and not others?

  • What are the best ways to have fun in a virtual world, while still staying safe? This website doesn't let kids choose their own username -- why do you think that is? For sites that do let you choose a name, why isn't it a good idea to pick one that's close to your real name? What kind of words aren't safe to use?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

TINYPLANETS.COM, which is based on the animated Tiny Planets TV series, is a virtual world designed to let kids age 6-14 play games, watch videos, learn and explore. After creating a cadet avatar, users can click their way around the site's different worlds and activities. The graphics are impressive; cars whiz by as you float through a shopping center, and you can navigate your rocket ship through space. The site also deserves kudos for its clear emphasis on safety: You don't need to submit a lot of personal information to register, and kids can't openly chat with each other.

However, users aren't likely to be too over the moon about this site because a fair amount of the content costs money to access. The games that are free are fun; and some items can be purchased using stars, which are earned by exploring the site. However, many activities -- including most of the clips on the TV planet and the site's interactive books -- cost keys to check out. And unless parents want to whip out their credit card, kids may get frustrated trying to track down the site's free activities.

Online interaction: The ultra-safe chat feature allows users to pick from pre-selected statements only.

This review was written by Erin Brereton
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Almanac8
teen, 14 years old
8
 
Well, I'm not a space junky.
When I first signed up, this site was kinda confusing. And now it's time for Pros and Cons. Pros: Good for space junkies, lots of places to visit, cool looking space ships, and a good variety of Space Suits. Cons: You can get lost easily, a little too fast-paced Mini-Games, and I suggest you install Shockwave and Flash before playing, otherwise your computer will crash. Overall, 3/5. (Because I'm not a space junky.)
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I Love Warrior ...
kid, 10 years old
6
 
Confusing
I don't really like it.
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (3)
bingo123
parent of 14 year old
7
 
Really pretty and a lot of fun
So I enjoyed this site; it's tried really hard to be original, and has this neat space theme. To be honest the graphics are just awesome, but you do need quite a high spec PC to cope with them. Loads of features and games, you've got to have Flash AND Shockwave because there are some 3d games (I played Cosmic Cleanup - a lot!). There's a lot on here too, loads to explore. Good quizzes too. Some were quite hard...! Gets my thumbs up.
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
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