SmartyCard is a tool for parents who want thier tweens and kids to earn access to some of the most popular virtual worlds online. SmartyCard’s system allows children to earn points by playing interactive educational games and quizzes. These points can then be redeemed from a catalog of over 200 real and virtual rewards. Since the beginning, the company’s data shows that 85% have been redeemed for virtual-world prizes. We have linked them so you can see what they offer.

Virtual Rewards:
Bella Sara
Cartoon Doll Emporium
ClubPenguin
Digital Doll House
Elf Island
Planet Cazmo
Stardoll (bilingual)
Webkinz (bilingual)
ZooKazoo

Ed Note to Parents: All these sites are kid oriented and no inappropriate popups, ads, etc.
 
Real World Rewards:
iTunes
Wii Games
Books
Movies
DVD

Industry experts are watching this trend closely, especially as SmartyCard adds more featured virtual-world selections to the rewards catalogRobin Raskin, publisher of popular site Raising Digital Kids, supports the idea that kids now have a means to earn the virtual-world subscriptions their parents are already buying for them.

"Kids can use SmartyCard to learn how to purchase their own virtual stuff, and their currency is learning. Additionally, a virtual reward lets them personalize how they decide to spend. This makes them better consumers of all media," said Raskin.

We wish SmartyCard well and hope they succeed. This is really an untapped area, and could very well steel children to more appropriate age game sites.