Virtual Realities and Worlds provide a way for people to interact in a social aspect, without having to travel too far to meet new people. I do love the outdoors, and am quite active, yet I also love to meet others through virtual avenues.

My daughter is so very close to entering the Teen Scene, that I really need to pay attention to the latest trends in technologies concerning the social spheres. In comes Teen Second Life – a 3D virtual world created by you and for you – where you can join Teens from all over the globe. Create, learn new skills, start a business, meet new people… it’s your world, your imagination.

What is Teen Second Life?

Teen Second Life is an international gathering place for teens 13-17 to make friends and to play, learn and create. In Second Life, teens can create and customize a digital self called an “avatar,” fly through an ever-changing 3D landscape, chat and socialize with other teens from all over the world, and build anything from skyscrapers to virtual vehicles. It’s more than a videogame and much more than an Internet chat program – it’s a boundless world of surprise and adventure that encourages teens to work together and use their imaginations.

Who is Teen Second Life for?

As stated above, be a part of a Global Community of teens aged 13-17. Only teens between the ages of 13 and 17 are allowed in (there is a separate version of Second Life for adults) so other than Linden Lab’s staff, Linden Liaisons, who are there to make Teen Second Life a safe and pleasant place to be, teens will interact with other teens their own age. Occasionally we may bring in teachers for special educational projects as well. When that happens we will always let residents know who they are and what type of project they’re working on.

Features

Build what you like, explore as you prefer, communicate across platforms with who you choose, fashion a persona to your exact specifications. All Teen Second Life features are designed to offer its users the most open-ended, customizable experience of any online world on the market. No restrictions or arbitrary guidelines imposed by the developers—only the tools and resources to build your own vision of a better world.

Who makes Second Life?

Second Life is developed by Linden Lab, a company founded in 1999 and based in San Francisco. You can read all about us at www.lindenlab.com. Linden Lab provides the technology but the Second Life residents themselves are the ones who really help shape the world and make it unique.

Get Involved!

I know, kids really hate it when we stick our noses into their business, but it is our job, right? It is up to us to pay attention and stay involved, to a certain point, and make sure our teens are socializing with safety in mind. We don’t need to go too far, and take away their fun, but we do need to stay aware and be certain they keep their wits about them as well. Also, this shows we truly care about them, without taking away all of their independence. If we are open with our interest and concerns from the start, they are less likely to venture off into parts unknown that may carry hidden dangers, whilst hiding their activities from us.

My daughter knows to trust my advice, as I treat her with respect, and offer her the benefit of the doubt in her own judgement. I have taught her well, and when faced with a tough decision or possible dangerous situation, she trusts me to help her out. This kind of open communication keeps her safe, and gives me the peace of mind to allow her the space to learn and grow, while socializing with the wider world.

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