It didn't seem appropriate to talk about Second Life without also providing information on Teen Second Life. The rules are much stricter and residents are much safer and more secure than in adult SL. Teen Second Life is only for teens aged 13-17 although occasionally the creators will allow educators to come into the world for specific purposes. The site also has "Linden Liaisons" who help keep the site safe.
Under the Teen SL "For Parents" link, parents are asked not to direct the teen's avatar around the site. Linden Labs also has community standards and tips for online safety. There are 10 community standards for teens to follow: Respect Your Fellow Residents, Stay Anonymous, Don't Give Out Your Password, Respect Others' Privacy, Keep it Clean, Don't Harass, Don't Assault, Don't Disturb the Peace, No Global Attacks, and Use Alternate Accounts Responsibly. If you break the rules, most of the time a warning will be given the first time. Further offenses will be given a strike and suspension; after an account has received three strikes, the teen's account will be permanently closed.
I can see how this would be a safe way for teens to meet other teens in a safe forum. Here is a link to a teen's review of Teen Second Life.
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4 comments:
I really enjoyed reading the teen's perspective! He certainly describes the strength of the Second Life teen community, and he is very mature in his understanding of reasons for which safety restrictions exist within that particular zone. I am starting see how Teen Second Life can build teenagers' creativity, communication skills, and technical knowledge. Thanks for introducing me to yet another new world! :)
Although I have my reservations about Second Life, I find that Teen Second Life may actually be a good place for teens to meet and socialize. I still hope they are doing this in face to face situations in addition to meeting their friends on line.
The ways teens interact with all of these internet communities fascinates me. Thanks for posting this link.
Part of me is glad that these kinds of sites are out there for kids to interact with and part of me is an old curmudgeon/hypocrite and wants to get them to go outside and play in the sun.
I can completely understand wanting kids to go outside but I think we need to face reality. Providing a safe place for kids to interact is a good thing.
Maybe a teen will try rock climbing in TSL and decide to try it in real life. Who knows.
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