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Panfu
Children's Online Virtual World

Published on 06/16/2010
Ratingstars4 Rated 4 out of 5 stars by AppAppeal Editor
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What can you use the app for?
Panfu is a fun, friendly online community designed for young children. Users can create their own panda persona, tailored to their preferences. The site offers games and other engaging activities designed to busy young minds and help them expand their knowledge through activities, such as learning Spanish. Panfu is also available in a number of languages, making it easy for children all over the world to enjoy this online community.
What is the history and popularity of the app?
Panfu became what it is today thanks to a team of young creators and developers based out of Berlin. Young Internet GmbH, as they are called, wanted to create an online world for children ages six and up. They used 2-D multiplayer games that allowed children to play while socializing with other real players in the community. Panfu was not only designed as a form of entertainment, but also as a tool to help young minds learn about the world while encouraging individuality and creativity. Among the Young Internet GmbH team are a number of parents who have personal experience with children. They also recognized the fact that very few online communities existed for young users. Panfu was developed as a way to help offset the balance of online community websites, which was leaning towards teenagers and adults.
What are the differences to other apps?
There are many online communities that are intended for adults and teenagers. However, very few are intended for children ages six and up. Panfu stands out because it was designed specifically for this age group. The activities offered are perfect to busy a young child. Parents can appreciate the educational nature of these activities, which can help children learn Spanish and encourages creativity while playing online.
How does the web app look and feel to use?
The green and yellow color scheme of the Panfu website compliments the brightly colored cartoon images worked into the design. The menus are animated, which can help keep a child’s attention while they navigate the site. Users can easily find activities or chat areas by following the easy instructions on the site.
How does the registration process work?
Panfu registration is very easy and requires only minimal information, something parents can really appreciate. Many moms and dads are reluctant to allow their child to give information out on the internet. This type of activity is best discouraged, and Panfu helps parents instill good online habits in their children. To create an account, all that is needed is a panda name (username), password, gender and a parent’s email address. After submitting the information, users are asked to have their parents check for a verification email.
What does it cost to use the application?
There are two account types users can opt for when signing up for Panfu. The first is a free account, which gives access to basic features, chat and activities. This is the default account option. If a user chooses to upgrade to a gold Panfu account, they can opt to pay for a single month, three months, six months or one year at a time. The longer the membership period, the less the user pays per month. The shortest membership option (1 month) totals under $8 per month, with the one year membership coming in at under $4 per month.
Who would you recommend the application to?
Panfu’s target audience would certainly enjoy playing on the website. Children can better their ability to use a mouse and keyboard while learning other languages and participating in online chats. Parents can appreciate the way Panfu is set up, with a child’s safety in mind. The registration process requires a parent’s email address (which is sent a verification code). The account is set to free by default, with a paid membership option available, but must be manually selected.
  • Play fun games intended for children ages six and up
  • Learn how to speak Spanish through fun activities
  • Gold Panfu accounts can adopt and train Pokopets
  • Personalize their Panfu panda avatar to reflect their personality and appearance
  • Create an account quickly without giving away personal information

Panfu pricing

Permanently_free_version Permanently free version
Languages
English

English

Spanish

Spanish

French

French

German

German

Dutch

Dutch

Website
http://www.panfu.com/

Post a comment

6 comments (newest first)
Mathmom
on 29 Nov 2011 at 04:27
A safer option is www.cackleberries.com. There is no chatting (except with characters) and they have a desktop icon for my kids to safely log into. My little one is learning to read there.
Wayne Otto
on 29 Aug 2011 at 00:53
Panfu requires that you sign up for a specific amount of time and have an automatic debit. I signed up for a year, decided the site was not good, but could not get out of the year commitment. Then they debited my account again the following year without so much as a "do you want this?" So now I have paid for a second year of something I don't want and in this economy can ill afford. I've asked for some help from them, but am getting nothing.
ggm
on 29 Jan 2011 at 11:55
I do not recommend this site, because there are many abuses of children panda there For this reason, dispersion of the minds of some parents in this matter I turn 65% of parents of children to jumpstart (www.jumpstart.com)
dee
on 16 Jan 2011 at 18:45
Not appropriate for my 7 year old. Disgusting things said in chat. I do not recommend this site for children.
Amy
on 15 Nov 2010 at 17:14
I was actually just looking for information as to how i view what my son has written or been sent. The pc is in the living room but other than to help him with something or to walk past i dont sit and watch. I felt reasurred that the moderators would be watching for anything innappropriate.. It appears not! I have just seen a similar thing to the post dated 7/11/10 although admittedly not quite as bad. Just general 'flirting' but this is certainly NOT appropriate for 8 year olds!
unimpressed
on 07 Sep 2010 at 03:29
this site is awful, my 8 year old logged onto it and I spent an hour watching kids asking to date each other, or for a "hot boy" to come up to their tree house with them. one user even asked who wanted to get her pregnant. This site is not recommended for children.

Panfu screenshots

Panfu screenshot

Panfu screenshot

Link to application information
Company blog

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