SAN FRANCISCO – Common Sense Media, the nonprofit dedicated to helping kids and families thrive in a world of media and technology, today unveiled a new, free Kids Media app featuring Common Sense’s age-based ratings and reviews of movies, apps, video games, TV shows, books, websites, and music. Launching in time for the holiday shopping season, the Kids Media app lets parents create personal profiles of their children and receive custom recommendations based on age and media type, and the ability to make purchases directly within iTunes.
“As the holiday season approaches, kids will be clamoring for media gifts,” said Amy Guggenheim Shenkan, president and COO, Common Sense Media. “From tablets to handheld game consoles, and from personal DVD players to MP3 players, there are more choices than ever. The new Kids Media app gives parents instant access to the trusted ratings, reviews, and recommendations they need to make great media choices for their kids – both at the holidays and throughout the year.”
Key features of the new Kids Media app include the ability to:
- Access more than 17,000 ratings and reviews for movies, apps, video games, TV shows, books, websites, and music
- Personalize the app for kids’ ages and receive customized recommendations based on age appropriateness and quality
- Download and purchase media from iTunes from within the app
- Read lists of “Top Picks” from Common Sense Media editors
- Watch video reviews of top media titles
- Scan barcodes to find and purchase products more easily
- Save products to Favorites or share with friends via Facebook or Twitter
- Receive weekly notifications on the device whenever new media products have been reviewed
Common Sense Media rates media based on age appropriateness, quality, and learning potential in order to help parents make a fully informed decision about the media their kids use or consume every day. Each review objectively breaks down content – from violence and language to positive role models and messages – and provides a rating of ON, OFF, or PAUSE and an age recommendation. In addition to the app, Common Sense’s ratings and reviews can be found online at www.commonsense.org, and through various content partners.
The Kids Media app is now available for free via the iTunes App store at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kids-media/id504932051?ls=1&mt=8. A version for Android will be available on November 1, 2012.
To learn more about the new Kids Media app from Common Sense Media, visit http://www.commonsensemedia.org/mobile.
About Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. We exist because our kids are growing up in a culture that profoundly impacts their physical, social, and emotional well-being. We provide families with the advice and media reviews they need in order to make the best choices for their children. Through our education programs and policy efforts, Common Sense Media empowers parents, educators, and young people to become knowledgeable and responsible digital citizens. For more information, go to: www.commonsense.org.
Press Contact:
Marisa Connolly
Common Sense Media
415-553-6703
mconnolly@commonsense.org
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