As Managing Director of Public Relations for Children’s Way and Woogi World, I want to thank you for mentioning Woogi World on your blog. And I encourage everyone to check us out. This is a FREE site that’s not just for kids (K through grade 6), but for parents as well.

Here’s what sets us apart from all other kids/tweens social sites: 1)We’re the ONLY kids social site that invites/encourages PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT and even rewards kids when their parents do come on. 2) We are value-based, character-building, academically sound [creating games/activities to be NCLB compliant]. 3) We’re the ONLY kids’ site that goes beyond just monitoring conversations/behavior in the chat room: our “closed chat” is not only monitored, but kids are held accountable for their choices and then coached by us on how to improve behavior and conduct themselves responsibly online!

4) On Woogi World kids engage in a Value Badge Program (via Value Adventures), designed to bring them onto the site exploring and learning about these values (kindness, gratitude, citizenship, community service, physical fitness, etc.), then through points and prizes we motivate them to get OFF the Internet and back into the real world applying what they’ve learned.

We partner with such orgs. as Foundation For a Better Life, Habitat For Humanity, America’s Promise, National Exchange Clubs, Nat’l Wildlife Federation and Green Hour, AARP, Afterschool Alliance, iKeepSafe, Mom Central, and others. We are concerned about childhood obesity, the commercialization and sexualization of children, nature deficit disorder, the waning interest in reading, the lack of outdoor play children are experiencing, and so much more. (Gary is so right– kids need to play outside!)

Our site will eventually have a helpful Parents Resource Center where parents can go to find information on all things family and parenting. Our underlying mantra is that children and parents should always come away better for having spent time on Woogi World.

Woogi World is THE place to be on the Internet–it’s where we’re preparing children to compete globally, contribute locally, and excel personally. Since the Internet is here to stay, lets train this new generation of children to use it responsibly. Finally, our motto: the Internet is meant to enhance life, not BE life! Woogi World is FREE and a no-brainer. So again, thanks for helping us spread the Woogi World word!

Kind regards,
Alice

I spent a couple of minutes clicking around Stardoll.com and don’t quite understand your objections or warnings about the site.

Sure, it’s about conspicuous consumerism and gossip, but so is most media. There is a way to be “Kid safe” or “Kid locked” and denied access to discussion boards (Clubs in the parlance of Stardoll).

Otherwise, the dominant activity seems to be an online version of paper dolls. What’s the problem there (beyond the waste of time playing on the web happens to be)? Are you concerned that the 2D cartoon woman has a bikini on?

The post above mine points out that real life predators and stalkers remain a much greater threat than those playing paper dolls online.

I’m a big fan of computing, but I look at sites like this and Webkinz and feel compelled to suggest, “play outside!”

Please fill me in if I’m missing something…

-=Gary