Thursday, August 19, 2010
My son is the proverbial early bird. No matter what day of the week it is, he's up between 6:00 and 6:30 A.M. and most mornings can be found at the computer. Mind you, he's only 7.
The prospect of a child spending tons of time on a computer, especially a social network, would normally frighten the bejesus out of most parents. With many thanks to the folks who designed the social network Moshi Monsters, though, not only do I have no fear, I like my son and his 6-year-old sister spending their free time on Moshi Monsters.
A children's version of Facebook
Similar to popular social networks like Facebook and My Space, Moshi Monsters gives children as young as 4 the opportunity to taste what online social networking is all about. Unlike Facebook and My Space, though, Moshi Monsters is completely safe for young people.
Best of all, Moshi Monsters is educational, so elementary school teachers will love it.
Moshi Monsters members adopt an animated monster, which represents them, so there is no adding of pictures, real names or too much personal stuff. Members build a home for their monster, clothe the creature, name it and even give it moods. The social media aspect enters when monster owners invite friends they know to view their monster and his digs and to comment on the owner's pin board, similar to a Facebook wall.
It's educational and safe
Moshi Monsters is filled with excellent security measures that teachers and parents will love. An adult must register the child and confirm via e-mail. Every forum post and reply is moderated by a Moshi Monsters moderator, before it goes live.
Members are encouraged to play excellent educational games, in order to earn "rox," which they can spend in Moshi land stores -- excellent for teaching the value of money. The educational puzzles are timed and the degree of difficulty changes, depending on how the child performs, making Moshi Monsters a powerful learning tool.
So, if you've been scared to allow your young students or children to explore a social network, Moshi Monsters may be the answer. Oh, you can adopt a monster, too, which your children or students will love.
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