eSAFETY GUIDE

Second Life

16+
Minimum age according to Second Life
16+ Minimum age according to Second Life

What is Second Life?

Second Life is an online 3D virtual world created by its users who make their own avatars and are able to interact with other avatars, places and objects. Second Life users can create, buy and sell anything they can imagine using Linden dollars – a virtual currency which can be exchanged for real money. The different areas of Second Life are restricted by the age of the user. There is a 'general' area for users under 18, a 'moderate' area for adults and an 'adult' area for users over 18 with verified accounts. Second Life users can communicate privately or in groups, through a variety of voice chat and messaging functions. The voice chat features can be disabled and individual users and objects can be muted.

Website: secondlife.comExternal link[https://secondlife.com/]

How do people use Second Life?

Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use virtual worlds like Second Life.

Second Life is used for: anonymous communication[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/anonymous], content sharing[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/content-sharing], encrypted[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/encrypted], gaming[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/gaming], in-app purchasing[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/in-app-purchasing], messaging/online chat[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/messaging-online-chat], online relationships[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/online-relationships], screen capture[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/online-tools-and-features/screen-capture] and video calling[https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/video-calling].

How can you report online abuse, ask for content to be removed or block someone?

These links are provided by Second Life:

  • Report abuseExternal link[https://community.secondlife.com/knowledgebase/english/filing-an-abuse-report-r25/]
    Learn how to report abusive or inappropriate behaviour to Second Life.
  • Block a person or objectExternal link[https://community.secondlife.com/knowledgebase/english/blocking-r53/#Section__2]
    Learn how to block a person or object in Second Life.
  • Prevent contact from strangersExternal link[https://community.secondlife.com/knowledgebase/english/blocking-r53/#Section__4]
    How to stop someone from contacting you.
  • Privacy policyExternal link[https://www.lindenlab.com/privacy]
    Outlines Second Life’s privacy policy guidelines including the information they collect and how they use your data.

These links are provided by Second Life:

  • Maturity ratingsExternal link[https://community.secondlife.com/knowledgebase/english/maturity-ratings-r52/]
    Provides information about maturity ratings which outline the types of content and behaviours allowed in different areas of Second Life.
  • Community standardsExternal link[https://www.lindenlab.com/legal/community-standards]
    Outlines what is acceptable and not acceptable behaviour when using Second Life.
  • Shopping fraud and other scamsExternal link[https://community.secondlife.com/knowledgebase/english/how-to-deal-with-abuse-and-harassment-r610/#Section__1_2]
    Offers practical tips to protect against scams, phishing and disputes between Second Life players.
  • Terms and conditionsExternal link[https://www.lindenlab.com/legal/second-life-terms-and-conditions]
    The terms you agree to when you use Second Life.

Last updated: 04/06/2024

The eSafety Guide helps you find out how to protect your personal information and report harmful content on common social media, games, apps and sites. Entries are for information only and are not reviews or endorsements by eSafety. Before choosing to use any online service or platform it’s best to:

  • do your own research to understand the risks and benefits
  • check the age rating and requirements
  • consider privacy
  • check the permissions and other settings
  • check the in-app reporting options.

If you are a parent or carer who is deciding whether a child should be allowed to use an online service or platform, you can also:

  • consider your child's readiness for the types of content and experiences they might encounter
  • help them understand what to do if they need help
  • provide ongoing support and monitoring, for example through regular check-ins with your child
  • agree to some rules about use of each service or platform.

To find out more, you can read the App checklist for parentsExternal link, as well as information about parental controls in social media, games and appsExternal link and mental wellbeing resources for familiesExternal link.