Zilladog.com

Kid-friendly, secure email service and games.

Entertainment Value: Medium Graphics: Cartoons, arcade-style games Playability: Easy Reading Level: Medium Website: http://www.zilladog.com

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this subscription-based emailing and gaming site gives them a look at -- and control of -- their kid's online interactions. Parents are given password-protected access to add and remove people from their kid's buddy list and to block users from emailing them (no spam!). Parents also can arrange to receive copies of their kid's emails and have the ability to add custom words and phrases -- such as a home address and phone number -- to the site's filter to increase security. There are links to other sites, but they're all fairly kid-friendly (KidzBop.com, Webkinz.com, Barbie.com). It costs $3.50 to $6.25 a month for the emailing service, depending on how many kids you sign up.

Families can talk about respecting and protecting privacy. Why would your parents need access to your email? Why is it important to only communicate with people you know online? What information should never be shared with people you meet online? What information is OK to dole out?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Erin Brereton

ZILLADOG.COM offers kids a safe way to communicate with each other online -- but the Web-based email system is careful to mix some entertainment with all the security. Kids can view age-appropriate trailers for movies like Alvin and the Chipmunks or hear kid-friendly tunes through a link to Radio Disney; zany characters will read their emails out loud using Microsoft Agent. Zilladog.com also links to external game sites to offer Pac-Man, Simon, and other cyber challenges (the Frogger link doesn't work, but clicking on the image will get you to the game). Yet, fun doesn't always come for free. The site offers secure chatting and mail, but the Favorite Links section feels like an advertiser list, featuring Hot Wheels, Lego, and other product sites.

Kids may also enjoy Seussville.com, where they can play Dr. Seuss-themed games and use the site's interactive story writing tool to communicate their thoughts via "instant authoring."

Reviewed: 01/16/2008

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content
Violence
Language There's a profanity filter.
Message
	Social Behavior Parents can add custom words and phrases -- such as a home address and phone number -- to the site's filter to increase security.
	Commercialism Parents have to pay for Zilladog.com's email service -- monthly fees for one child are $3.50 or $34.95 a year; two kids will run you $4.85 a month or $48.95 annually. The Favorite Links section features sites with products and shopping.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco
	Educational Value Teaches kids how to express themselves through writing. Some of the games require kids to use their thinking caps organizing shapes or boosting their problem-solving skills.