Parents Review:

Parents need to know that this site is an enjoyable and safe introduction to the world of avatars and social networking. But kids get on and play for hours so ground rules about how much time is appropriate need to be set early and often! We recommend parents sit down with younger kids to a) help them to communicate kindly and b) explain how to deal with the not-so-friendly behavior that can also occur and which could be upsetting to kids who don’t know how to deal with rejection and/or bullying just yet. For added security, human monitors are watching, and kids can click on an “M” icon to report a “bad” penguin.

While kids can play for free, if you are a paying member you can buy additional things like clothing and furniture for their igloo. There’s also a “Club Penguin Shop” that sells non-virtual goods like shirts, hats, and keychains. There’s a prescripted chat and a filtered open chat. The thorough parents section helps adults navigate the site’s features, and parents can view their kid’s account and change settings. The site has plans to have a timer that limits time in penguin land. Look for a Nintendo DS version of Club Penguin hit shelves for the 2008 holidays.

Families can talk about chat etiquette, Internet safety, and virtual worlds. What’s the best way to approach a new person online? Why would someone be mean to someone he or she never met? What can you say or do if another penguin (or real-life person, for that matter) is mean to you? Why is using words a good way to deal with a conflict? What social behaviors is a virtual world teaching? Do you think networking sites help build good relationships? Why or why not? How would you make friends offline?

Kids Review:

Club Penguin is a great game for everyone! You can buy and sell things. You can get coins. You can make friends and talk with them. You can participate in activities parties and even games! In Club Penguin you can do many things! Although you can get hurt or shunned everything is great in club penguin. I play and have for about two years. What I like about it most is that you can dress up you penguin (you can buy things if you are a member, but also get free things when special parties or events are going on)and you can decorate your igloo. (members only) You can even decorate your igloo and open it to the public (members only)and have a party! You can also have little pets called puffles with all different colors! Club Penguin is great for all ages! Even my 17 year old brother likes along with my mom! You can have alot of fun in Club Penguin! You should join!

Review courtesy of commonsensemedia.org