Disney Acquires Togetherville, a Social Network for Kids Under 10

NEW YORK – Walt Disney has acquired Togetherville, a social network for children under the age of 10 and their parents.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

 Spokeswomen for Disney and Togetherville confirmed the acquisition first reported by TechCrunch.

Togetherville provides tools that allow parents to interact with and monitor their kids. For example, parents approve children’s friends. Meanwhile, children can interact with friends, exchange gifts, play games, watch videos and create art. They can also comment on, or "heart," friends' activities and update their status with pre-screened phrases, such as "Who is going to see Diary of a Wimpy Kid?" or "Aced the test. Oh yeah!!".

“Today's kids are growing up in a world that requires a whole new set of skills to become responsible digital citizens,” the network says on its Web site. “In Togetherville, your kids learn much more than computer skills: they explore how to be creative, express themselves and learn in a fun, interactive and ad-free way. We help them use technology to connect with the important people in their lives - safely and responsibly.”

Among Togetherville's technology and social media advisors are LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman and Second Life co-founder Cory Ondrejka.

The deal is the latest in a string of digital media acquisitions by Disney. Last year, the entertainment giant bought social gaming firm Playdom and mobile gaming company Tapulous.