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Webkinz are stuffed animals that come with a special 8-character code. The code allows access to the Webkinz website where you “adopt” your pet in the virtual “Webkinz World” which is a website with its own economy.
The user receives money (KinzCash) by adopting new pets, playing online games, answering questions and participating in daily activities etc.
Sign Up
To enjoy the many benefits of Webkinz, you first need to purchase a stuffed animal that comes with an 8-character code that will grant you access to Webkinz World for one year. You can buy Webkinz at Hallmark stores, eBay and various other sites for about $15.
Features for Kids
Kids can spend their KinzCash at the W Shop, where they can buy clothing and food for their pet, items for their pet’s room or build more rooms onto their house and more. Users can decorate a room for their pet with pre-made themes or mix and match different themes and furniture. While the child can be creative and have fun, the learning lessons are realistic. For instance, if a child tries to put a barbeque grill in the pet’s bedroom, the program will not allow it.
Webkinz World also has many exclusive and rare items and gems that can be found in the Curio Shop – Arte’s Rare Collectables. Some of these items require registering other Webkinz accessories you purchase in the real world. For instance, each type of Webkinz pet you buy gets a special food available exclusively for them.
Parent Features & Concerns
If your child requests access to KinzChat PLUS – an email is sent to you for consent. If you choose not to have your child participate in chat, you can simply decline or ignore the email all together. Alternatively, you can block your child’s access to KinzChat completely.
If you or your child, at any time, are in KinzChat and sees someone acting in an inappropriate manner, you can use the shield-shaped ‘reporting button’ located in each Clubhouse room.
The Webkinz concept promotes shopping and spending – there are many ways to spend and earn KinzCash (to buy furniture and clothes for the pet’s room) and kids can also purchase other Webkinz toys online at the site’s store. While there are fake ads on the site (links to other areas of the site, there are also some real ads (i.e. for kid’s movies).
Kids can participate in “controlled” chats (the exchanges are pre-scripted and personal information can not be exchanged). Users cannot type, but can choose phrases to say from a list. However, as mentioned above, you have the option to decline your child chat access.
In a nutshell, Webkinz World can help teach children real life lesson about pet ownership and responsibility. That said - parents should monitor the amount of time their kids are spending online. With new features added regularly, it can become addicting (for adults too!) and likely you will have to allot them computer time or you will find them on Webkinz all day long.
