About Us

1. How does your rating system work?

Common Sense Media rates media based on developmental criteria recommendations from some of the nation's leading authorities. Our ON, OFF, and PAUSE buttons act as quick guides to help you figure out what media is right for your kids.

We know that kids and families are different. Our goal is to give you enough reliable information to determine works for you. In all cases, there's no substitute for knowing our kids -- each one is different and all families have their own preferences.

Here's how to understand our ratings.

2. Who's behind this?

We operate strictly independently from any company, industry or political organization. We seek grants from organizations and foundations that are not affiliated with the media. We also accept sponsorships from companies that pose no conflict of interest regarding the media, and that support our goal of helping families make better media choices.

3. When I donate, where does the money go?

We are a not for profit organization. It takes an enormous amount of money to create and maintain this web site. Most of your money goes to reviews, some to staff salaries, and the rest to research and advocacy.

4. Who are your Common Sense Media reviewers?

Our reviewers have extensive knowledge of their fields. You can read their bios on the landing pages of our web site, or click on their names to make their bios appear. In making their assessments, they rely on their experience and also on developmental criteria about what content is appropriate for which stages of growth.

5. How do you ensure that the privacy of children who submit reviews is protected?

We are strict adherents to the COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) laws. We NEVER sell or pass along ANY names and we don't even collect last names from kids. We're in the business of helping kids and would never do anything that could expose them to any harm.

6. Why should I become a member?

If you're a member, you can write reviews, get our weekly newsletter and let them know what you like and don't like. Members get our newsletter and can take advantage of the research, tips, and tools we provide. More importantly, however, if you are a member, you become part of an important movement for social change. The more members we have, the more people will have to pay attention to us. We believe it's time to make the media companies accountable to kids, not just their bottom lines. There is strength in numbers.

7. What can I do to help?

Join us. Donate. Write letters. Get your friends to join. Watch and play with your kids and speak out for what's right, not just what's wrong.