Ruby Skye P.I. Review
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Ruby Skye P.I. (http://www.rubyskyepi.com/)

common sense media says

Quirky web series starring a teen digital detective.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Ruby Skye P.I. is a web-based series for tweens staring a 15-year-old detective named Ruby Skye who tracks down Internet scams. A documentary video on the site warns younger kids to watch with a parent because it contains some nudity; it also contains iffy language and alcohol. Kids need to submit their email address when posting a comment; however, the site doesn't share email addresses with any vendors or external sources.

Educational value: The detective work could encourage critical thinking skills; kids can also learn about online scams.
Positive messages: A scam file lists recent Internet scams to watch out for; the site also features info about the waste single-use water bottles create, filed under a tag called the Skye Sisters’ Campaign.
Violence: A documentary video in the site's scam section has some references to violence.
Sex: A documentary video in the site's scam section warns that it contains a nudity (including a couple of glimpses of bare backsides, women in lingerie, and exposed breasts); the site tells younger kids to grab a parent to watch it with them.
Language: Comments appear instantly, but the site policy says administrators will remove any containing bad language. A documentary video contains words such as "piss" and "s--t." "S--t" is also used in reference to religious customs ("Besides, is any of this that much weirder than s--t like communion and circumcisions?").
Consumerism: Ads precede some of the videos and site sponsors get some promotion, but an ad policy reminds kids "buying something Ruby owns won’t turn you into a detective or make you more like Ruby."
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: During a tribal ceremony in a documentary video, a participant drinks what looks like an alcoholic beverage from a bottle, then offers a swig to a crying baby.
Privacy & safety: The site's privacy policy is clearly explained in language accessible to the kids visiting the site. Any personal information posted in public areas on the site will be removed. The site's web safety section gives kids helpful tips for staying safe on the Internet.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Ruby Skye P.I.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • Families can talk about how to know when it's OK to submit your email address to post a comment on a site or sign up for an e-newsletter -- and when it maybe isn't. When should you check with a parent first? Help your middle schooler develop safe online behavior.

  • Ruby does some serious detective work on the show. What's the difference between the kind of investigating she does -- and just plain snooping? Would, for example, be going through you sister's room considered detective work -- or a violation of privacy?

  • Ruby investigates Internet scams; the site also has a section listing recent ones. What is an Internet scam? How can you tell if someone is trying to scam you?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

RUBY SKYE P.I.'s brief webisodes -- they're roughly 4 to 6 minutes long -- are professionally filmed and center around an ongoing storyline in which Ruby tries to track down the source of an Internet scam. (The quest actually begins with Ruby trying to figure out who stole her brownies.)

The show is entertaining and hits the right tone; Ruby is just clever enough without being condescending to anyone she interviews. The series also contains a fair amount of factual (and topical) info about Internet scams. Mystery solved: Ruby Skye P.I. is a ton of fun to watch!

This review was written by Erin Brereton
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

CrazyBlu4Eva
kid, 10 years old
Age
12
 
Interesting detective site
Ruby Skye P.I. is a very cool website.All of you people better check it out!
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (21) | had useful details (18) | read my mind (22)
violet-roses
teen, 13 years old
Age
13
 
Educates.
I have explored this website a bit, and it seems to really educate kids and teens about internet safety and other things.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (12) | had useful details (14) | read my mind (11)

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
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