 | 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. |
Second Life
Common Sense Media says
Adult themes easily encounted in popular virtual world.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the imaginative virtual world Second Life is
an appealing hangout for kids of all ages, but is rife with adult-themes
and conversations that are best left to the adults or older teens.
There is no longer a Teen Second Life, which once was a safer, monitored
virtual world with minimal adult content. Instead, everyone is now
routed to SecondLife.com, where they are able to chart their own course
and socialize (via text or voice) with any of the millions of registered
users from all over the world who also hang there. Areas are rated PG
or Mature, but without the restrictions that existed with the teen
version, there’s more opportunity for teens to end up chatting with an
adult posing as a kid or wandering into some of the adult areas that
exist (potentially exposing them to brothels, pornography, etc.).
Customizable 3-D avatars are a big draw, and options range from skin
color and hair styles to costumes and bust size, so the customization
possibilities are practically endless. The site is free to join, but it
has limitations unless you upgrade to a monthly membership. The site’s
currency, Linden Dollars, can be purchased with U.S. dollars or earned
by selling created items.
Is it any good?
The open-ended environment of this virtual community is part of SECOND
LIFE'S appeal and charm, and there’s ample opportunity for kids to flex
their creative muscles (though the tools to do so are somewhat clunky).
Visitors will find socializing, entertainment, games, and abundant
opportunities for learning (sit in on a classroom discussion, run a
business, learn to play an instrument). Plus, they can buy, sell, and
develop land; build structures, and shop. Avatars can even fly!
Certainly, there’s nearly as much to do in this world as there is in the
real world. But that’s what also makes it a dangerous environment for
kids. Without the safeguards that were in place at Teen Second Life,
teens are more likely to wander into -- intentionally or unintentionally
-- adult-themed areas or overhear inappropriate conversations or chat
with someone who isn’t who they claim to be. Yes, it’s an engaging,
creative place full of endless possibilities. But left unchecked or
unmonitored, that may also present the biggest concern.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what virtual communities are. What appeals to
kids about using an avatar rather than a true identity? Families can
also discuss consumerism in virtual worlds. What are users really
getting by buying pretend stuff in this pseudo-world?Families can also talk about the importance of protecting your privacy
and staying safe in a virtual world. What steps can you take to stay private and safe?How are virtual worlds places for marketers to sell virtually
anything? How are products and brands tied into such sites, and what
makes them such great arenas for selling stuff? How can you be a savvy consumer and not buy into the virtual hype?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 10 years old
April 10, 2011
AGE
Same as most of my reviews
I spent a while on the game and its not bad if your a mature 12+ kid, just don't go into adult area by changing the settings to general, report bad users and it should be fine.
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Kid, 12 years old
March 12, 2011
AGE
bad for everybody!
I'v enever been on and I dont' wanna be on it! Really? that is just wrong to buy gentials, and able to rape, do "it", and do a sucide
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AGE
Ugly
I only played 1 time, and the game was way to laggy for my computer, i heard u can like rape in this game why would anyone put that in a game? rape is bad, pretend rape is just as bad it sends msg that its just ok to do that stuff, its not ok nobody should play a game where its ok to pretend that. dont ppl know how bad it is, the ppl that makes this game should be ashamed.
the game is probly fine for older teens and grown ups, as long as they dont use the rape cuz thats sick
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Kid, 12 years old
April 13, 2011
AGE
...........................................bad...........................
Violence, se% clubs, drinking, bad bad bad! You can also chat about whatever you want as here are no filters!
If I wanted a second life, they could at least make it happy and friendly!
I would never go on this if I were 15 or under!
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Kid, 10 years old
April 3, 2011
AGE
terrible
just terrible
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AGE
i wish there was a selection that says all ages til adult
i played cause i saw it from Ghost Whispers and regret it after 15 mins of playing i removed it from my laptop and made sure that it didnt get backu p on the back up hard drive its stupid to brutally honest its more fun and safe to play bingo at a old folks home. And the creators should be ashamed of them selves for allow suicide and rape seriously no body likes to get rape in real life so would they like to get rape on a computer that is just common sense people and you have a blocked button for creepos but they always find a way to get around that and people sharing personal info its like these people dont listen to the news of victims getting raped or worse murdered over sharing to much stuff people can make them selves seem like a fit sports loving guy but then you see he is a fat sloppy dirty butcher umm no way im ever going on that website again
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Kid, 12 years old
February 23, 2011
AGE
VERY unneseeary websyte
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Kid, 8 years old
April 25, 2011
AGE
NO KIDS NO
Ok now im a kid. I heard about this site about the furries. the furries are not too violent. but theres money. BUT ALL THAT BAD STUFF? NO NO KIDS!
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| Genre: | Virtual Worlds |
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