Is there a kid virtual world your child visits online? Are they safe? Do they cost anything? Do your kids enjoy them?
And just what are virtual worlds for kids?
Virtual is becoming reality for kids online.
I guess you could say that many of the sites featured in my Online Games section already represent magical little virtual worlds for your young children.
But "official" virtual worlds for kids offer something different.
Kid virtual world reviews
Virtual pets for kids Some of the most popular kid virtual world games involve cuddly critters who are ready to lap up all the love you can give them! Webkinz, Beanie Babies, SeaPals and more in this virtual menagerie.
Virtual worlds for girls Dolls, horses and fairies enter the scene here, with virtual makeover games, cool fashion boutique fun, room makeovers and more.
Educational virtual worlds Although there are educational elements in many other virtual game websites for kids, these sites focus a little more on various aspects of learning. Using money, learning to do your chores, and looking after the environment all feature here.
Fun kids' virtual games More virtual fun and games here, including island hopping missions, adventure fun from CBBC, and a little galactic star naming!
There's a huge range of kid virtual world experiences online, and here you'll find a selection of the best. They range from plush toy kid virtual pet sites, to educational virtual worlds, virtual websites for girls, and pure adventurous game fun.
Almost all of the sites reviewed have pages for parents - and these are a must for checking out any concerns you may have about privacy and chat options. You'll also find FAQ pages and virtual tours to help you decide if these sites are right for your child.
Some sites are designed with younger children in mind - four or five year olds. Many will appeal to kids of six or seven and up, and some are more for the eight year olds and up. I think it's best if you can do all the registration yourself, and then help your child log in and start navigating the site - make it an activity you do together at first, so that your child, and you, feel entirely comfortable with what's going on.
What is a kids' virtual world?
Here's how to spot a kid virtual world:
You or your child may have to sign up to join as a member Sometimes you can play some games without becoming a member, to get a feel for the site.
You may have to pay This could be a monthly or yearly payment. Or you may have to buy a toy that contains that famous "secret code" in order to be able to log onto the website. There may also be other goods that can be bought offline that give you further access to other areas of the site.
Your child is part of a world where they can create their own identity... ...or create someone else's identity. Or even a pet's identity. So, building and decorating a virtual house, dressing up, or keeping your virtual pet happy and healthy could be part of your child's activities. There may also be virtual money to earn and spend.
There is often an element (or more than an element) of socializing Your child may only be able to use a choice of prepared words or phrases to communicate in general to other virtual visitors; or there may be more complex socializing allowed, with varying degrees of parental control.
