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  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    General Mills-sponsored edu world; no chat rooms.

updated 09.18.09

Why We Rated This on for Ages 6 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Many of the games are educational -- and in fact, you need them to maintain your intellectual capabilities (one of the key health factors for your character).

  • User-created content:

    You create and customize an avatar and your house.

  • Messages:

    You are encouraged to eat healthy foods, keep up your intellectual power, do community service, help clean up your room, and help the environment.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    General Mills products are featured in games and throughout the town.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

How safe is it?

  • Personal privacy:

    Your identity is protected through your anonymous user name -- but you can find out the user names of your friends and "visit" their house.

  • Online interaction:

    You can't interact with people through chat, but you can send them a postcard.

  • Parental controls:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Millsberry

Parents need to know that this virtual world actually teaches kids things -- how to shop for healthy food, how to open a bank account, and how to send a package at the post office. Kids play games to gain Millsbucks, the site's online currency. Some of the games are challenging, and there are enough of them that kids won't get bored so easily. The site is run by General Mills and some of the games are sponsored by their sugar cereals or candy. Characters are rewarded for choosing healthy foods rather than junk, but one wonders if that outweighs the hours of play kids consume playing the sugary food-themed games. Overall, though, this site practices restraint in its marketing messages to kids. Also, aside from sending cards, there's not really any interaction with other members. You can browse others' homes and look around, but that's it.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how companies try to sell their products by sponsoring games and areas of online worlds. Does playing a game sponsored by a certain brand make you want to buy that brand? Families can also discuss how to spend money wisely. What's appropriate to buy with your online cash and what's unnecessary? Our guide about social sites and buying also has some good questions about spending and saving.
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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Phoeberainbow
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive consumerism

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Safety isn't an issue

    I like this site, but watch out! not only do they have games for you, but advertising, too!!!!!!!!!!!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    missbecky
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Safety is an issue

    • My highlights are:
    • User content is age appropriate

    this website is good for kids

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Parent Reviewer
    elontai
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    Flag as inappropriate
  4. Parent Reviewer
    lisa oakley lind ...
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • User content is age appropriate

    no teens

    I thenk it is ok

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  5. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    aisha180
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

    loveit

    This review...

    Helped me decide(1) | Had useful details(1) | Read my mind(1)
    Flag as inappropriate

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