Bin Weevils is a fun website for kids that was launched in 2010 by Bin Weevils Inc., based out of the United Kingdom. Bin Weevils began as a short series of cartoons that played on Nickelodeon and Nicktoons. Shortly thereafter, a series of puzzle books were published. The children’s social networking site soon followed. The site is aimed at children from age 7 to 13. This game exists in a virtual world where the members’ insect characters explore, meet new friends and play games.
The name bin weevil is a play on the name of the actual insect known as a boll weevil. This insect is responsible for devastating the southern United States’ cotton industry in the early 20th century. Much of the appeal of Bin Weevils is due to the online games that members play. The online games use basic knowledge of math and sound judgment. Memberships begin at $5.95 per month; $39.95 for six months; and $49.95 for a year. There is a free membership for children; however, their movement within the virtual world is limited.
Features
New members of Bin Weevils create and customize a cartoon insect similar to a boll weevil to use as their virtual personality. Once the avatar is created, it enters the virtual world known as the ‘bin’ and begins to have adventures by playing online games, solving puzzles and meeting other weevils. Once a weevil successfully completes a game, they are able to advance to the next level. Levels are increasingly difficult, but the more levels a weevil successfully completes, the greater amount of ‘mulch’ (the website’s online currency) they can accumulate to upgrade their membership. Members must keep their weevil in excellent condition or it will be slow to move. Keeping it fit, fed and happy by exercising it, feeding it and buying it accessories allows the weevil to move faster.
A membership on Bin Weevils allows players to become a Bin Tycoon – access to all the premium features such as owning a pet, upgrading their ‘nest’ (home), buying funky hats, access toTycoonIslandandTycoonPlaza(shopping), owning a nightclub and creating their own online magazine. ‘Mulch’ allows a member to purchase virtual merchandise from the online store. Members can get ‘mulch’ by purchasing it with real cash or get it for free by playing games and solving puzzles. Members are able to safely chat with other members using pre-selected words and phrases. Members should be aware that moderators are watching and every member’s behavior is profiled. A ban system that eventually leads to expulsion is in place.
What’s Good
Bin Weevils is a games, puzzles and social interaction website that has a wide appeal. Children from 6 to 13 will find Bin Weevils entertaining and fun to play. The main reason behind this wide appeal is the design of the website. Although the website initially appears to be a site only for children under 10, it quickly can grow on anybody – including parents. The weevils are all goofy, humorous, cartoonish, cute and easy to like. The personalities of the weevils really shine through. It is this easy-going atmosphere that will make children of all ages comfortable with the game. There are no adult themes in the games or on the website.
Children have to have a fair amount of logic to solve puzzles. The games are not violent, do not use trickery or talk down to kids. Even the chat feature (which is a major problem in most children’s virtual worlds) works in a relatively positive environment. It is strictly moderated; language is not only pre-selected, but pre-screened; and bad behavior is disciplined. This keeps away tweens and teenagers who seem to think that being obnoxious online is cool – it isn’t.
What’s Bad
The only problem that could be construed from Bin Weevils is the reliance on buying things to make people happy. As well, there will always be members in children’s virtual worlds who don’t want to play by the rules. Parents should be vigilant about their child’s online virtual friends.
Online Safety
Since online chat is limited to pre-selected phrases and filtered language, the worst part of online safety that worries most parents has been scaled back significantly. Bin Weevil’s safety message is displayed prominently, concisely worded and strongly enforced. All communications are filtered and moderators are watching the site twenty-four hours a day. Most importantly, a member’s behavior is profiled and those that get out of line are disciplined.
The Summary
Target Demography:
A rare time when a wide demographic suits the content and appearance.
Graphics: A
Exceptionally well-done and well-designed.
Educational Value: A-
Children learn problem solving and early social interaction.
Entertainment Value: A+
Enjoyed by a wide range of children and adults.
Price:
$5.95 for one month; $39.95 for six months; and $49.95 for 12 months. Free membership with limited access to advanced features.
Visit Bin Weevils at www.BinWeevils.com.
The above Bin Weevils review was written by a responsible parent and media professional who believes that child safety on the internet must be observed as a top priority. Contact us if you would like your virtual world reviewed too.
