There Aren't Any Kids' Spaces On The Internet-And That's A Bad Thing - TheSavvyGamer

"The Internet is a far different place than it used to be 20, 10, even 5 years ago. For starters, sites like Webkinz, Neopets, and Club Penguin are either defunct or shadows of their former selves. While the Internet used to have colorful spaces for kids to build community, now it's filled with graveyards flash games littered with ads. What Happened To Club Penguin?"

"The Internet connects more people today than ever before, yet it's become less of a community than it used to be. While this focus on algorithms and content hurts everyone -many a long-lasting friendship has been formed over message boards and chatrooms-it's particularly harmful to kids. Kids need a space to be themselves with other kids. Websites geared specifically towards kids, with extensive moderation and chat filters, allowed kids to build a sense of online community."

"Sites like Poptropica and Wizard101 also encouraged user creativity and self-expression. For kids whose first language was not English, these communities gave them a mutual language to communicate with others-the language of games. While many of these sites did come with paid tiers-and, in the case of Webkinz, you had to buy a plushie to create an account-they were not freemium the way many sites are today. You could enjoy hours of entertainment and community without having to pay a cent."

The Internet has shifted away from colorful, moderated spaces for children toward monetized, algorithm-driven platforms. Popular kid sites like Webkinz, Neopets, Club Penguin, Poptropica, and Wizard101 once provided safe chat filters, moderation, and opportunities for creativity and social bonding. Many of those sites offered substantial free access rather than modern freemium paywalls, which limited their advertising appeal because children have little spending power. As target demographics aged or sites became unprofitable, many shut down or scaled back. With dedicated children’s spaces disappearing, young users migrate to adult-oriented social media such as TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter, exposing them to risks and unsuitable content.

Read at TheSavvyGamer