that anyone can view
anything on this video-sharing site. Because the videos aren't rated for
age-appropriateness, you never know what you're going to get. That’s part of
the fun of the YouTube -- but it makes it hard to know what ... read more
that this heartwarming holiday tale has strong messages about the importance of seeing past first impressions to judge a person's (or dog's) true character. There’s lots of emotion in the dog’s pleas (audible only to viewers’ ears, ... read more
that although this indie drama features Gossip Girl star Blake Lively, it’s not age-appropriate for tweens and younger teens. The subject matter gets pretty intense -- the movi explores everything from drug addiction to neglectful ... read more
that The Princess and the Frog is Disney's first movie first to feature an African-American heroine, Princess Tiana. The New Orleans-set story is a spin on the classic fairy tale about the princess who finds true love when she kisses an ... read more
that this video trivia game exists specifically for megafans of the movie Twilight and the books upon which the film was based. Film clips used in the game sometimes show violent or suggestive behavior, but if your child wants to play ... read more
LEGO Indiana Jones 2: The Adventure Continues (Mac/Windows, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3)
Parents Need to Know...
that while this fun and imaginative adventure game contains a ton of fighting and tidbits of low-brow humor, it is all presented in a playful, unrealistic manner. Elements that might seem problematic in a different game are here mitigated ... read more
Assassin's Creed II (Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3)
Parents Need to Know...
Assassin's Creed II is very violent and definitely not for children. Players assume the role of a deadly assassin who uses weapons such as knives, swords, and daggers to kill human targets. Deaths -- both those resulting from the player ... read more
that this somewhat dated Web zine for girls offers articles on health, beauty, fitness, fashion, money, life, and more. There's a strong emphasis on developing a positive body image, and there's nothing on the site you wouldn't want your ... read more
that although the site's "rulz" insist that no swearing, bullying, or personal information is allowed, the site isn't monitored 24-7. But moderators check in from time to time, and violations can be reported to the site. Girls can also ... read more
that this edgy newsmagazine parody offers frank, pointed social commentary about African-American urban popular culture. The show's mock news stories and comedy sketches are full of strong language (including the occasional unbleeped use ... read more
that the biggest concerns in this reality competition series are an obsessive focus on fashionable brands and an overall message that says style trumps substance. Looks are essentially everything, and the show practically serves as a ... read more
that this '90s sitcom looks at life on earth from a unique point of view. There's a bit of racy content -- expect some sexual innuendo (most of which will go over the head of younger viewers), some hugging and kissing, and, in later ... read more
that although this book will mostly satisfy sports lovers and football fanatics, it has a strong plot about Nate helping his best friend Abby deal with the onset of blindness. It also deals with how kids and parents both learn to deal ... read more
I Am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to Be Your Class President by Josh Lieb
Parents Need to Know...
that they'll find lots of pranks against students and teachers in this book, as well as plenty of sarcastic quips and negative words for others. But that's the brand of humor in this first kids book by one of the Daily Show executive ... read more
that overall this album is mostly OK for young teens, but parents should still be ready to talk about certain issues. A discussion about healthy relationships might be in order since this album presents some iffy role models for kids ... read more
that though the lyrics in this song are somewhat nonsensical, they contain no real show-stoppers in the way of profane language, sexual references, or other adult themes. read more