What is ZEPETO: A detailed look at features & safety concerns

What is ZEPETO in the world of virtual avatars and 3D landscape? It is actually a platform that is popular for its virtual world. It attracts teens and new users due to its interactive & customizable nature. Although the platform provides a vivid and entertaining experience, it’s important to know how it works. This includes exploring what safety protocols it has and how users interact with it. This article is intended to give a close up view of the application ZEPETO by discussing its various prominent features. It will also provide tips for parents on how to safeguard their teens while using this platform.

What is ZEPETO?

ZEPETO is a virtual avatar and social media platform where users can make their 3D avatars and customize them. These avatars allow individual users to interact with others in a diverse range of virtual locations. Since ZEPETO includes plenty of customization options regarding avatars, users can change their look as well as the outfit and accessories to match their style.

ZEPETO’s virtual world offers social interactions where users can hop around, chit-chat with each other, play mini-games, and be part of certain events. The platform is mobile-friendly, which draws attention from a wide range of people. ZEPETO also has a virtual marketplace for creative expression and socialising. It boasts millions of active users worldwide. It is a key player within the virtual platforms, particularly for those young people who want to freely express themselves.

How does ZEPETO work?

First, users must install the app on their mobile devices and complete their registration. Upon logging in, users can customize their avatars by choosing varied characteristics, such as face shapes, hairstyles, skin shades, and outfits. ZEPETO’s large collection of clothing and accessories means avatars can be distinguished by personal style.

After the avatar is created, users can navigate through many virtual environments. From virtual streets to indoor spaces, various environments are available, suitable for individual needs. Users can easily communicate with the other avatars in their selected environment. In ZEPETO, users also have access to social features like voice chat and sharing photos/videos. Within these virtual worlds, people can make new friends around the globe.

A virtual currency also exists within ZEPETO. It can be spent on buying new clothing, accessories, and other virtual items. The platform continuously refreshes its virtual rooms with new themes, events, etc.; it is always an enjoyable experience. Users can also take part in challenges where they will receive rewards to further customize their avatars. ZEPETO provides a vibrant virtual world where users are encouraged to express themselves creatively, discover new worlds, and participate in social communication. The immersive aspect of the platform tends to keep the users active for long periods.

What is the age requirement on ZEPETO?

ZEPETO is intended for users aged 13 years and above. This age restriction is consistent with a lot of other social media sites. According to the platform’s terms of service, users under 13 cannot open an account and use the app. ZEPETO also has additional safety measures for users aged 13-17.

This includes privacy settings & content moderation to make sure that this age group can enjoy the platform safely. However, parents need to observe their children’s use of ZEPETO. Ensure they follow the platform’s guidelines and do not engage with or come across any inappropriate content. Parents should also be aware of their child’s interactions with strangers, as they can be potentially harmful. The efficacy of safety relies on how parents control and monitor their children.

Are there parental controls on ZEPETO?

ZEPETO provides a range of parental control options that help in making sure that younger users can socialize in a safe online environment. These security features enable parents to restrict their teens’ accounts and shield them from threats. Parental controls available on ZEPETO are as follows:

1. Profile privacy settings: Users can set their settings to “private. ” This means that only friends can see their activities, posts, and interactions. This is a necessary step to limit the visibility of a user’s profile to strangers.
2. Content restrictions: ZEPETO has principles for moderation of content that block obscene words and improper pictures. Nevertheless, parents can narrow down the content their children can receive by changing the app’s parameters.
3. Blocking and reporting features: If a user encounters inappropriate behavior or content, that user can block or report the offending user. This helps ensure that harmful or disturbing content is taken down quickly. ZEPETO’s moderation team examines reports and proceeds accordingly against violators.
4. Friend requests and interactions: Parents can limit who can send friend requests or message their teen’s avatar. This enables them to control who their child interacts with on the platform.

Is ZEPETO safe?

ZEPETO’s safety is a cause of concern for many parents. There is always a looming threat of inappropriate content or online predators. Nevertheless, ZEPETO has implemented countermeasures to reduce these risks and make users more comfortable. ZEPETO relies on moderation bots alongside human moderators to monitor the content users upload.

It includes removing offensive language and images and ensuring content sticks to the community guidelines. However, despite these steps, there are occasional instances in which inappropriate content gets past the filters.

ZEPETO often takes immediate action following reports on content and behavior that goes against the platform’s guidelines. Once something is reported, the content is moderated, and the appropriate action is taken, such as deleting the content or suspending the user account. Even though ZEPETO has all these security measures in place, parents should still be cautious. They need to educate their teens on how to report inappropriate content and use the site appropriately. Make them aware of the risks associated with online interactions.

How can parents safeguard their teens on ZEPETO?

Parents can take protective measures to safeguard their teens while using ZEPETO. They are as follows:

1. Privacy settings: Make sure your teen’s profile is locked. This will regulate what other members can see and how they interact with them. You can also track who makes friend requests and sends messages to your child. This helps to ensure that only trusted/reliable users can contact your young ones.
2. Social interactions: Take a proactive role in tracking your teen’s interactions within ZEPETO. Monitor your teen’s activities, including their friends, messages, and the content they share. This will help you stay informed of anything disturbing or inappropriate.
3. Online safety: Discuss online safety with your teen and keep an open mind. Teach them to identify and report explicit content or suspected users. Ensure that your children know the dangers of making acquaintances with strangers on the internet.
4. Parental control apps: Try using third-party parental control apps like FlashGet Kids. It will help you monitor your teen’s online activities. With features like Live Monitoring, Screen Mirroring, App Tracking, and Daily Usage, you can stay in the loop at all times.

By remaining actively involved and keeping the lines of communication open, you can ensure that your teen uses ZEPETO safely and responsibly.

How to report inappropriate content on ZEPETO?

If you encounter inappropriate content on ZEPETO, you can follow the steps mentioned below to report it.

1. Identify the problematic content: First, find the issue to report. This may be a post, a message, or an avatar.
2. Click on the three dots: Clicking on the three-dots (menu) icon on the post or user’s profile will open up some options.
3. Select ‘report’: Under the options menu, click ‘Report’.
4. Choose the reason: The option to select a reason for the report will then appear. Options can involve “inappropriate behavior,” “offensive language,” or “pornographic content.”
5. Submit the report: Once you choose the reason, submit the report. ZEPETO’s moderation team will then investigate the matter and take appropriate action.

Alternatives to ZEPETO for Teens

Here are three popular platforms to check if you are searching for alternatives to ZEPETO:

• Roblox: Roblox is a virtual world where people can create avatars, explore and visit several virtual worlds, and play games. It’s very tweaky, and the platform has lots of active users. Roblox enjoys a high level of popularity among the smaller age demographic.

• Avakin Life: Avakin Life is another type of virtual world in which users create avatars, decorate homes, and interact with others. The application offers various activities and is similar to ZEPETO in terms of customization and social interaction.

• IMVU: IMVU is a 3D virtual world where people can create avatars, interact with other people, and purchase items. The app is social and has a sizable and diverse community.

Final words

So, what is ZEPETO used for? ZEPETO is an interesting venue where users can make avatars, interact, and explore virtual worlds. Although the app delivers an immersive experience, parents need to monitor their children’s activities on this platform. By implementing privacy settings through parental controls and open communication, parents can provide their teens with a safe and secure environment. Also, third-party apps such as FlashGet Kids make it easy for parents to keep track of their child’s online interactions. With the proper precautions, ZEPETO can be a fun & enriching playing area for teens.

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