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Green Day
WebbliWorld gives kids awareness, googly-eyed avatars
By KRISTINE BARRY
del.ico.us
reddit!
Finally, a way for kids to go green that doesn't necessarily involve eating brussels sprouts or spinach (audible faint cheers). Launched in July 2007, WebbliWorld.com (geared for ages 6-12) is the first green social network designed to teach children about today's biggest issues. All users assume a Webbli identity in this colorfully wacky realm designed by Aardman Animations, the Brit geniuses behind Wallace & Gromit. Once on the site, socially responsible Webblis (Wij, Wez and Wanda) give kiddies useful info, ranging from healthy eating to concerns for the environment, and suggest entertaining and educational games to play.
Camilla Whitby, one of the creators of WebbliWorld and mother of two, says that the main goal of WebbliWorld is to have fun and learn in a safe place on the internet. "We are trying to raise awareness for green issues," she says. "It is very important to put the message across without nagging the kids and making them feel bad about what is happening to our environment. We want the kids to feel empowered with the information."
One way they do this is through the "Polar Bear Tracker" on the World Wildlife Fund website. Kids are able to find real polar bears and see where they are, where they have traveled, why they are in trouble and then create their own character and play polar bear games.
It's not exactly Ender's Game, but the online activities serve as a useful, virtual reminder of what challenges the real world holds. It's worthwhile to start 'em thinking early.
