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Nickelodeon lanches Nicktropolis
Categories: Gadgets & Tech, That's Entertainment
I have to admit, I'm always a bit apprehensive about websites aimed at children, but I suppose the fact is kids spend a lot of time on their computers and it is important for them to have safe places to go. Nickelodeon has launched their latest "online community" called Nicktropolis. To register, children have to provide their parent's email address for authorization. (I know, I know. What tech savvy youngster doesn't know their way around that?) But, I digress.
Once approved, the child is free to take advantage of all the site has to offer including free games, interaction with cartoon characters, watch videos from Nickelodon, and "socialize" with others. That last one is what had me worried at first, but after taking a look at the website they specify that children can only chat using a pre-set list of phrases. Personal information is never asked for, and it is apparently impossible for them to give it out to strangers.
Once approved, the child is free to take advantage of all the site has to offer including free games, interaction with cartoon characters, watch videos from Nickelodon, and "socialize" with others. That last one is what had me worried at first, but after taking a look at the website they specify that children can only chat using a pre-set list of phrases. Personal information is never asked for, and it is apparently impossible for them to give it out to strangers.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Lisa 1-30-2007 @ 9:54PM
This is fantastic, thanks for sharing!
However, my son signed up without any information from me -- they didn't even ask for my email address. That was strange. But the only information they requested was a username, password, date of birth, sex, and the password security question.
Also, upon signing up, you choose from either using their pre-selected phrases for chat, or what they call "Nick Safe Chat," which allows the child to type whatever they want, but using only Nick-approved words, so no foul language, names, numbers, cities, etc... That way your child cannot give out personal information.
So far, it seems like fun!
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Christine 1-31-2007 @ 2:11PM
Other places have had this type of thing for a while.. (Disney....barbie.. polly pocket)so good that they are catching up... They always miss an important point though, kids are meeting up with their friends.. they have to be able to ID themselves to them.. lol. How do you meet new friends and get to know them without actually speaking to them.
They should just do a better job at keeping the Non-kids out. JMHO.
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