 | 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. |
WoogiWorld
Common Sense Media says
Virtual world tries to teach but may confuse.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this educational virtual world for elementary school kids aims to teach its young users good character traits and Internet skills, but it may confuse younger kids. The site is far from straightforward -- it requires quite a bit of reading, and kids can't access the site map from all areas. That said, the parent section has some excellent information for parents and grandparents about the Internet-centric culture in which their kids are growing up. Parents need to give approval to join the site and to chat (which is conducted using a list of pre-selected words). Kids can sign up for free, but the premium membership ($6.95/month) comes with lots more bells and whistles.
What's it about?
Developed by the nonprofit Children's Way Foundation, WOOGIWORLD.COM is a virtual world for elementary school-aged kids. It has some impressive goals: It wants to be the site of choice that parents and educators turn to in order to teach kids all about good Internet behavior and safety, leadership, community service, health, and more.
Is it any good?
That's an admirable mission, and the site could be a winner someday ... if it would simplify its directions, give more audio cues for younger kids who can't read fluently, and add more content (many features across the site still say "coming soon").
But for now, the little glitches -- like long loading times, missing content, and confusing directions (for example, "You need to hold the ctrl or shift button while clicking Woogies to add buddies or report misbehavior") -- are going to confuse many kids, especially those in early elementary grades who really need to learn the messages this site wants to teach. Unfortunately, many kids are more likely to choose a site that focuses more on playability and less on lessons.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why it's important for even the youngest kids to talk to -- maybe sometimes even teach -- their parents and grandparents about what they're doing on the Internet. Also, how does your family decide whether to buy a membership to a site that also has a free option? When is a premium membership "necessary"? Parents, if you pay for a premium membership so you can access chat logs, how do your kids feel about that? Explain why you made the choice to do so, and listen to your child's feelings in response.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Fun and educational game for children
CONCERNS
Violence: There is no violence in the game. Violent talk is impossible due to Woogi World's limited chat.
Sex: Sexual talk is impossible due to Woogi World's limited chat.
Language: Swearing cannot happen in Woogi World due to limited chat.
Consumerism: Players may buy a paid membership to unlock certain features of Woogi World. Players may also sign up for the "Music Club" or "Reading Club".
Drinking/Drugs/Smoking: Not an issue.
HIGHLIGHTS
Educational: Woogi World teaches players about cyber safety. Woogi World is targeted at children.
Safety: Since the players of Woogi World are young and not interested in hacking Woogi World or the players, Woogi World is pretty secure.
User Content: Not much.
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AGE
Great Game! Safe, fun, educational!
WoogiWorld is a wonderful game! It teaches kids internet safety, health, and has games that help with kid's education. It's safer than other kid websites. I would recommend it to Elementary kids, and some kids in Middle School (Junior High) too.
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AGE
Great Game
Just for the sake of this review, I have signed up. I have to tell you, it is great!
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Kid, 10 years old
September 30, 2009
AGE
Always play
I am the greatest game player ever
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Kid, 12 years old
March 24, 2009
AGE
GOOD SITE FOR INTERNET SAFETY
it is a good site to let kids play on to learn intenet safety and fun too.
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Kid, 10 years old
September 14, 2009
AGE
love it!!!!!!
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