There are several social media websites like Facebook or MySpace designed purely for children under the age of 13, where young people can explore online worlds and make new friends in a safe, child-friendly environment.
The websites are easy to use and have more emphasis on games and interaction than adult social media websites. Most include live monitoring and features to help parents keep track of their children’s online activities.
Imbee.com is very similar to Facebook or MySpace in style and substance. It is aimed at 8 to 14 year-olds and users can create profiles and blogs in much the same way. The website features games, groups, a chat function and has an emphasis on promoting music and cinema. It is free to use and boasts a 'state of the art' kid protection system allowing parents to monitor their children’s activities.
If you are looking for something a little more educational, Whyville is free a virtual world geared towards children aged 8 to 14 years. Children create avatars in their own image which can chat, play and have fun. The site mixes social networking features such as real-time chat with fun and entertaining educational content. Children can upgrade their avatars by earning ‘currency’ and spending it on food and clothing etc.
For younger children Club Penguin has become extremely popular. Over 12 million children have already signed up to Disney’s ClubPenguin.com, where children create an online penguin avatar which they can use to chat, play games and explore online worlds. The website is moderated live and is free to use, but there is a monthly charge of £3.95 to unlock more features.
The websites are easy to use and have more emphasis on games and interaction than adult social media websites. Most include live monitoring and features to help parents keep track of their children’s online activities.
Imbee.com is very similar to Facebook or MySpace in style and substance. It is aimed at 8 to 14 year-olds and users can create profiles and blogs in much the same way. The website features games, groups, a chat function and has an emphasis on promoting music and cinema. It is free to use and boasts a 'state of the art' kid protection system allowing parents to monitor their children’s activities.
If you are looking for something a little more educational, Whyville is free a virtual world geared towards children aged 8 to 14 years. Children create avatars in their own image which can chat, play and have fun. The site mixes social networking features such as real-time chat with fun and entertaining educational content. Children can upgrade their avatars by earning ‘currency’ and spending it on food and clothing etc.
For younger children Club Penguin has become extremely popular. Over 12 million children have already signed up to Disney’s ClubPenguin.com, where children create an online penguin avatar which they can use to chat, play games and explore online worlds. The website is moderated live and is free to use, but there is a monthly charge of £3.95 to unlock more features.
