Webkinz World Recognized for Safety with Best of the Web Award

Ganz is proud to announce that Webkinz World has been recognized by WiredSafety.org with a Best of the Web Award for 2008.

The Best of the Web Award honors child-focused Internet sites that offer fun and entertainment for kids while protecting them from revealing personal information which could lead to cyberbullying, stalking and other potential dangers.

The presentation was made at the 8th Annual Wired Kids Summit, held in the Congressional Buildings in Washington D.C. on February 9th.

"We are proud to be recognized by the leading advocates of children's online safety with this award," stated Ganz president, Howard Ganz. "We take our members' online safety very seriously, and are committed to providing a friendly and protected world where members can have fun with their pals, and parents can feel comfortable while their children visit us."

"Webkinz World went through a rigorous review before it was given this award," notes Parry Aftab, WiredSafety's Executive Director and an Internet privacy and security lawyer. "12,000 kids and preteens were polled for nominations, and over 400 sites put forward. Parents reviewed the final 70, and then I personally investigated the final selections. Webkinz received more nominations than any other site. We believe the site helps keep children safe while providing a sense of community and friendship."

Webkinz combine the timeless fun of plush pets with the interactivity of the Internet, to give kids a virtual world where they can play, build, nurture, collect and even safely 'chat' using constructed messaging. Webkinz pets were introduced in April 2005 by Ganz, a third-generation family-run business based in Woodbridge, Ontario, Canada.

WiredSafety.org provides one-to-one help, extensive information, and education to cyberspace users of all ages on a myriad of Internet and interactive technology safety issues.