Webkinz - Is My Daughter's Online World Safe?

As an over-protective father, I was mystified when my six-year-old daughter rushed home all abuzz about Webkinz. I talked with some "mommies" from class and soon learned that I was a late arrival to the Webkinz bandwagon.

Webkinz is a virtual world for children (mostly young girls) that becomes accessible once you purchase one of the ever-changing Webkinz stuffed animals from a store which carriers the Webkinz menagerie (we got ours at a Hallmark store). Using an individualized code attached to every Webkinz, your child, with a little help from Mom or Dad, can log on to the Webkinz site and create a virtual home for her new stuffed animal.

A variety of personalization decorating choices can make the room uniquely hers - pink walls and a green floor! By playing a selection of simple games, the proud owner of a Webkinz can earn virtual money to purchase virtual accessories for her pet's Web home. I saw the shopper begin to emerge in my young daughter as she began to compare and contrast the cost of a virtual microwave oven and and a digital chair. All types of products are available for simulated purchase from popcorn poppers to dog dishes to decorate and furnish the online home.

There was also an opportunity to play games against other on-line competitors. This is where my daddy-sense started tingling. Fortunately, I found that that communication is limited to some pre-selected phrases such as "Will you be my friend?" There does not seem to be any way that an online predator could directly contact or locate my child.

From a value standpoint, Webkinz offers a product and an online experience. Because of the success of Webkinz, I expected to see other online competitors. Barbie also has a similar experience at her web site.

This could be the future of toys, the product itself and the complimentary online experience. The Webkinz design was a reassuring surprise for me, it's safe, fun, and affordable.