 | 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. |
Togetherville
Common Sense Media says
Kids' social site connects to parents' Facebook friends.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this site is designed to be an introduction to social networking -- Facebook with training wheels, if you will. Positive features include super-safe posts that use scripted phrases, and the ability to socialize with known friends -- without stranger-danger and inappropriate posts. Parents are kept on top of all interactions and have control over the friend selection process. But because Togetherville trains kids in the ways of social networking, you'll have to think long and hard about what age you want your kids to start. Parents also need to be aware that an adult Facebook account is required for the creation of children's accounts on this site.
Is it any good?
There are many things to love about TOGETHERVILLE. First of all it fills a void as a way for younger kids to get in on the Facebook phenomena. You can post pre-scripted status updates, customize your logo, and play games similar to ones on the grown-up social network site. The games are actually of better quality than the ones on Facebook -- and you won't find all of the scams and annoying ads like you do on Facebook. If you have a Facebook profile, Togetherville is a good option for elementary-aged kids who want to share pictures with relatives on Facebook. It's also a way to start an early discussion about the rules of socializing online.
Online interaction: Pre-scripted status updates and comments resemble Facebook's interactivity. Parents control who their kids can become friends with, and these connections are limited to known adults who have a Facebook account, or the children parents' friends.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the rules of social networking. Whether sites have safety nets or not, what are some ground rules for safe socializing online? What are some pieces of information that are strictly off limits?
Families can talk about the drawbacks to social networking. Is it something elementary-school aged children should be focused on, or are there better ways to socializing, like playing together outside? What happens to our communication skills if we spend too much time in front of a screen? Do you think it is as fun to chat with someone online as it is to do so in person?
Families can talk about setting time limits on digital entertainment. How much is too much time for an eight-year old to spend online? What other forms of communication and entertainment are you giving up if you focus too much on online social interactions?
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AGE
Fun site for the 9 and under crowd
My younger daugher likes this site and even invited her cousins to join her. Its a bit boring for my 11 year old but she likes interacting with her younger cousins on here. Perfectly safe for lots of ages.
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AGE
Saftey is an unnexpected issue
Well, I couldn't give you a completley honest review. I tried for a few minutes how to sign up. It was impossible. I'm usually good with computers, but this...this was bad.
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AGE
Not quite the solution I was looking for!
Lots of potential, but it still has lots of issues. My “almost eight” year old is happy for now, but will get bored soon. You, as a parent have total control over the account and can view anything posted, but there isn’t much to post. There are only a few games for kids to play and they aren’t as inciting as the ones he sees on facebook. You are limited to “canned” responses which is good that there won’t be any inappropriate posts, but bad because your choices are pretty limiting. As soon as he’s sent or received all the responses, he will be bored with the program… I’m sure after I’ve roped in every family member I can to sign up for it and be his friend, he will drop it!
I have hope that the website creators will put some more work into this and it will take off. I really wanted a safe place for my youngest to socialize without the risks of facebook!
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Kid, 12 years old
August 21, 2010
AGE
togetherville is awesome!
i love togetherville! i have an account and it a a great way for kids to connect with friends! you can play games, make art, watch safe youtube videos, and leave comments on your friend's profile. it is totally safe, the parents have total control over what their kids do on the site. you can't search names, and you can only see someone's profile if they are your friend.
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AGE
Love Togetherville for my kids ages 4 and 6. They love receiving comments from their parents and grandparents online. I won't let either of them have an e-mail address so Togetherville is one way they can use the internet to communicate without being able to do anything risky. My youngest isn't reading yet, and with Togetherville that's not a problem.
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AGE
Love it. My 8yo second-grader uses it on a fairly regular basis to say hi to friends on their birthdays or during school holidays. Even my preschooler "uses" it; I just use it to send messages to the parents of her preschool buddies
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AGE
Social Networking Introduction
My girls are loving this site. They wanted something that would allow them interaction with their friends and we (parents) wanted something we could easily monitor and feel good about.
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AGE
For familes that network
My wife and I have Facebook accounts and so my son was interested. When I heard an NPR review of Togetherville, I decided to give it a try and have enjoyed it. I don't feel like I have to be over my son's shoulder, approving every mouse click, since there are no 3rd party ads and I approve his friends list.
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AGE
Great for 8+
It's pretty cool. Seriously,it gives children the freedum to chat and run the own little page while being prtected.
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| Genre: | Social Networking |
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