This weekend, Alison asked some advice (on the Caveats Page, above), she wrote:
“Need advice: I’m not completely opposed to my kids doning online social networking and gameplaying, but the most popular sites are all about shopping (Webkinz, Club Penguin). I’d love to know if there are any cool, fun sites that aren’t so blatantly trying to turn my kids into little shoppers who think the only way to interact with their friends is by acquiring and showing off junk they (or their penguins) don’t need. Help!”
Her kids are 6 and 9 (and she has 2 of each, amazing, Alison!), so a few things came to mind, but upon deeper investigation virtually ALL had some consumption orientation. Some examples…
Zoey’s Room, is a great, eduactional (yet cool) math, science, techie interactive site targeting 10-14 year old girls, but even Zoey has “pixel’s picks” where her cute cat highlights gadgets from sponsors, however, it is a very marginal part of the site and, given the alternatives, may still be a good choice (The site is definitely not all consumption focused, like Webkinz).
Whyville, which is a virtual world a la Second Life, but targeted toward kids, with educational (Developed by Cal Techies interested in using simulation in education) and community components in an environment that I think would be quite popular with kids (games, role play, etc.), but which also has embedded adver-games that figure prominently.
My Pop Studio, created by Temple University folks, claims it is designed to promote Media Literacy in tweens, but when I “played” — I filled out a quiz and it gave me a series of movie, tv, and website recommendations. These may or may not be sponsored, but either way, I don’t see how on earth this promoted media literacy. I was disappointed.
On the bright side:
…there is Imbee.com, a social networking site for kids that is advertising-free, and looks to be a great option — kids can make avatars, form groups, write/read blogs (the most important feature, of course!), form friend circles, etc. That should be great for the 9 year olds — it was a breath of fresh air after all the junk and disappointment I encountered.
Hmmm… the 6 year olds are harder. If Imbee is too sophisticated, there is the Cbeebies website, which is completely noncommercial (it’s run by BBC) and is designed for roughly 3-6 year olds. Very cute — build your own pet, but not the same community aspect that Alison was asking about.
I’m interested to know what others recommend (Maybe Amy at Shaping Youth can help?). Alison asked the question for good reason, most sites are all about marketing. It was really sobering to look and find all the cleverly integrated marketing — much worse than television, where the ads are primarily separate. Ideas for Alison? For others?
PS 9/25 update - thanks to Izzy for also recommending Yomod, a social networking site for ages 14 and under that is safe and is currently ad free as they state:
Our number one goal at Yomod.com is (and will always be) to provide a fun safe social media experience for our users. Currently, we do not sell advertising on Yomod.com. However, if you have ideas or would like to discuss potential opportunities with us, please e-mail us at partnerships@yomod.com We’re interested only in advertising and promotional ideas that fit with our mission of a safe, age-appropriate social media Web site for the youngest people on the Internet.
And, if you visit yomod, and think of it - it would be a great idea to let them know that you value the advertising free space.
Academama
September 25, 2007 | 12:09 pm1
So, call me stupid, but….I’ve never sat down to thoroughly investigate the Webkins phenomenon. I’ve perused the “rooms” my daughter has decorated, I’ve fed her animals when she was away, and I’ve watched her play the games: these are the things she usually does on the site. Lately, she’s started using it as a way to communicate with another friend of hers, who has sent two lovel cards, each containing pledges of how they’ll be “bestest friends forever!” which I think is totally cute!
Here’s the thing: I’ve really liked the consumerist aspect of the site that helps her learn how to “earn” KinzCash and make choices on how to “spend” it on food, cards, decorations for rooms, etc. She’s also been able to take care of her virtual garden, weeding it and watering it, so she can grow her own food for her animals.
Obviously this doesn’t account for the whole Site Sponsor issue, but how feasible is it for sponsorless sites like these to exist? Someone has to be footing the bill for it, right? She’s never mentioned any of the ads that are featured, and I haven’t noticed her encountering any annoying pop-ups that advertise other products, sites, or companies. I guess I’m just wondering how “good” can we expect these sites to get without sponsors?
mom
September 25, 2007 | 3:00 pm2
Good points, Academama. I can’t speak for Alison, but I presume her concern had to do with play in a branded environment, more than with banner ads. In other words, Webkinz is advertising, but in the same sense as play on the Barbie website or Bratz website, in which children’s fun is oriented around product lines (e.g., you need to buy the webkinz to register, or others where the concern is in promoting brand loyalty). I also think the website is cute, and am sure many parents really enjoy having this type of play available for their kids for a variety of reasons, but it bothers others.
Like I said to my good friend who thought she should move her baby to a crib and out of her bed — “It isn’t a problem for you, unless it’s a problem for you.”
As for how good can we expect them to get? You are right - this is one of the challenges in a media enviornment where the end goal is profit, rather than the public good (just like network tv versus PBS, for profit radio versus public radio). It certainly puts the pressure on parents to find alternatives and on nonprofit orgs to create them (and they are working on this, you can find good stuff, for example, through Girls Inc.). But, there are some pretty impressive noncommercial adult sites around (e.g., Craigs List), and I think that as the need is recognized, parents (Imbee was founded by a mother frustrated when her 7 year old wanted to use MySpace and she was (rightly) concerned about safety.), educators, nonprofits, and public agencies will (continue to) respond.
In the meantime, I’m all about the shades of gray where people feel comfortable (under Caveats), and so if Webkinz is a good fit for your family, that’s a great thing. I can’t say how I would feel (we’re pre-Internet right now), on the surface, I would probably be as concerned as Alison, but if I found myself with a child interested in Webkinz versus Bratz — I’d certainly become a member of the Webkinz booster club!
Alison Hockenberry
September 26, 2007 | 11:29 am3
This is such an interesting and important topic and I love hearing about what other parents think!
I completely agree with Academama that given the way our economy is set up and the lack of will to invest public money in non-commercial things for kids, the corporate sponsoring of sites is inevitable and practically unavoidable. I am aware of a few good non-commercial examples — PBS Kids and National Geographic Kids among them
My problem with Webkinz (and lots of other toys and activities for kids) is that there is a pervasive and powerful celebration of “aquisition” throughout. So as opposed to being a site that encourages the sharing of ideas for their own sake and social networking for the sheer joy of connecting with friends, it’s equally, if not more, about sharing (and acquiring) “things.” The more Webkinz cash a kid earns, the more stuff he or she can “buy” and then invite friends over to the pets room to show off all the cool new stuff. I am deeply worried about our culture’s focus on acquiring things -unneccessary, disposable, fashionable stuff. And I don’t want my kids to think that’s a key or necessary way to connect with others.
I agree that kids could do a lot worse than Webkinz. (Bratz, ugh!) But the presentation of shopping as an activity and a hobby really worries me. It’s just not meaningful or terribly satisfying and it offers false promises (of popularity, happiness, etc). Don’t get me wrong: my kids and I love to shop together — we’ve recently discovered some great vintage stores in our neighborhood that have very fun clip-on earrings and bow ties! I’m definitely not an anti-consumerist.
I was deeply affected by the book “Born to Buy” which is an unbelievable look at the corporate and advertising assault on America’s kids. The forces and finances marshalled to get kids to part with their money and to be committed super-consumers is shocking and dangerous, if not downright cruel. Since reading that, I most definitely have become at risk of taking my own personal backlash against these forces too far (for a year or two there, my poor kids had a few too many unpainted Scandanavian wooden toys — I’ve since loosened up, much to their relief!
Maybe Webkinz isn’t all that insidious, but I feel strongly that there must be a better way to engage kids than through activities that are so consumer and shopping-focused.
Ashley
October 11, 2007 | 8:03 pm4
New to the scene is a completely anonymous social networking site for 4- to 7-year olds called Panwapa. It’s created by the folks who make Sesame Street, so you know it’s full of educational value and completely trust-worthy (and without ANY ads!). I especially like it because it’s totally safe (user names are automatically generated) and it fosters ideas of global awareness and community in its users.
If you haven’t seen it, check it out! Also, you might be interested in my latest article, which details the social networking aspects and internationality of the program:
http://www.childrensmediaconsultant.com/
get-out-your-passports-its-time-to-sail-to-panwapa-island.htm
Let me know what you think!
outside the (toy) box » Quick Links - Webkinz, McCarthyism, and My 2 New Favorite Blogs
December 14, 2007 | 11:51 am5
[...] their website, on the sly. Bastards! We’ve discussed the need for ad free virtual worlds here before, so this is an important update. CCFC let’s you email Ganz and tell them that they [...]