May 1, 2007 8:00 PM
Disney Launches Social Networking Site for Teens
Disney launches its own social networking site ala MySpace for kids under 14 years old. The portal named Disney Extreme Digital a.k.a. Disney XD is aimed at creating a virtual space where kids can enjoy virtual activities with parental monitoring and approval if necessary.
“A chat feature requires parental approval for kids to go beyond trading canned messages designed to prevent users from revealing personal information, or from using profanity.”
"The feature is meant for use on high-speed Internet. Kids earn points for every activity they participate in on Disney XD, and can use the points to purchase items such as virtual stickers or Rube Goldberg-type machines like bubble makers for their pages.”
Paul Yanover, executive vice president and managing director of Disney Online, said in an interview:
"I want tons of kids immersed in my brands and franchises. What better marketer do I have than a kid?" Yanover said. "It's really about building a kid community ... (that) extends beyond individual Disney products, Web sites and titles."
So, would you allow your kids to use this virtual community instead of interacting with peers in real life? If child safety and security is your primary concern, kids’ social activities either online or in real life is as harmful as it can be to children. At least, in the virtual social networking sites such as Disney XD, you are sure that your kids are in the confine of your homes.
Currently, the social networking site is unavailable for non-U.S. residents.
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