Zibbies (http://www.zibbies.com)

common sense media says

Safe and cool looking virtual pet world; no chat.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this site is a virtual pet site; a code found on the collar of a stuffed toy (about $5) is required to play. Kids choose locations in the "Zibbie Zone" to find different games and to collect Zibbie digital stamps as each puzzle or game is completed. Instructions for most games aren't available by voice over, i.e. reading is required. Unlike other virtual pet sites, your actual Zibbie is not seen on the screen or manipulated on the site in any way until all of the games have been completed at least once. There are no ads and no other products besides the Zibbie pets for sale as of yet. Kids can earn currency to buy things for their online pets.

Educational value: Games have educational goal.
Positive messages: No chatting on this site; only a text message exchange with an adopted Zibbie (controlled by site).
Violence: Games are nonviolent.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: "Oh poop" was the strongest language found.
Consumerism: Plush toy must be bought to participate. Kids can earn currency to buy things for their online pets.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Zibbies

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about what's the purpose of the Zibbie stuffed toy outside of this virtual world. Are there other sites that provide games that can be accessed for free? Is the stuffed toy appealing in itself or is it just a "fee" to pay in order to access the site?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The site looks more like a SIM game than a cartoon virtual world a la Webkinz.com, and is definitely different than other virtual pet sites. Kids must be readers in order to play around, since directions are only in writing. The games are just OK, but the fact that the stuffed toys are cheaper than most buy-a-toy-play-with-it-online may be reassuring to some parents.


This review was written by Dana Cotter
 
 

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zibbies are lost on the internet!
The creator of this site should be a shamed of her/him self. It is poor graphics, poor coding and has no punch.

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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
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age