www.zwinkycuties.com)

common sense media says

Girl-centric virtual world is safe, fun, shallow.

parents & educators say

29% say there are positive messages
29% say language is an issue

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this kid-friendly virtual world is a spin-off of teen-targeted site Zwinktopia.com. It costs up to $5.95 per month for a premium ("Jet Setter") membership; kids who have a free account are frequently prompted to upgrade. Parents must activate a child's account and can restrict and permit access as needed. Only safe chat is available, so there's no risk of kids sharing personal information (or using profanity). The site offers comprehensive safety tips for both parents and kids, and users can choose privacy settings for their rooms. Kids could feel rejected if other users ignore their requests to be friends or to chat. Phrases meant to fend off pesky users -- such as "I'm going to ignore you" -- could be used in a mean-spirited way.

Educational value: Not applicable.

Positive messages: There's a lot of focus on fashion and beauty, and the avatars could use more diversity in ethnicity and body type. Kids could feel rejected if their requests to chat or become friends are ignored. Some of the chat phrases -- like "I'm going to ignore you" or "Leave me alone" -- could hurt kids' feelings.

Violence: Not applicable.

Sex: Not applicable.

Language: Kids can only use pre-scripted chat phrases like "I love to shop" or "What is your favorite animal?"

Consumerism: A "Jet Setter" (premium) membership costs up to $5.95 per month (less if users are signing up for six months or a year). Kids are frequently prompted to upgrade their membership. There's also a significant focus on fashion and shopping.

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 online safety and setting computer time limits. Why is it important to spend time away from the computer? Families can also discuss how kids can apply the social skills learned in virtual worlds to life offline. How would you approach a new friend? What would you do if someone was bothering you?

Is it any good?

ZwinkyCuties.com scores points for being easy to use -- it starts off with a helpful tutorial of its features and provides clear instructions. The games are fun and nicely animated, especially the Snood-like "Best in Show" and the simple yet addictive "Ping Pong Mania." Despite the site's over-the-top girliness, the animation can be adorable -- like the hopping bunny slippers at the pet store or the cat that plays with a ball of string.

On the downside, parents may not be thrilled by the site's focus on fashion, shopping, and cuteness as the defining factors of girlhood. (P.S.: There are boys on the site, but they're vastly outnumbered by girls.)

This review was written by Susan Yudt

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What parents & educators say

Based on 7 parent & educator reviews:

29% say there are positive messages
29% say language is an issue

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alyssacrapse6
parent of 7 year old

ZwinkyCuties (http://www.zwinkycuties.com)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on ZwinkyCuties

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Review It

Review ZwinkyCuties

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

perfect for older n yunger kidz

:(

perfect for kids 8, 9 ,10, tweens and older teenagers

Only for older kids!

awsome

perfect for adults and teens

!!!!

great

not good

I'm not turning my back to that site again.

a perfect website

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