CosmoGirl.com

Some valuable information -- if you can find it.

Entertainment Value: High Graphics: Illustrations, product and celeb photos Playability: Easy Reading Level: Heavy Website: http://www.cosmogirl.com

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this sassy site is an extension of the popular magazine of the same name. There are areas on beauty, fashion, life advice, entertainment, games, free stuff, and of course, guys. Although this site's dating and romance section seems a bit tamer than other online tween and teen magazines' sites, Cosmo Girl does stress beauty, fashion, and buying over valuable information that girls need to hear. There are also a slew of ads, contests, free giveaways, and sponsored links. See if you can count the exclamation points they use!!

Families can discuss growing pains. What can girls expect as they go through junior high and high school? What changes happen to their bodies, their friendships, and their relationships with their siblings and parents? How can girls keep their self esteem intact as they go through this crazy time?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Lucy Maher

On COSMOGIRL.COM, teen users can get advice on beauty, dating, and career information, as well as take quizzes and read the blogs of hot celebrities. Unfortunately, the valuable stuff -- recipes for healthy snacks or a poll about electing a woman president -- is lost underneath snarky comments about a celeb's new haircut or a contest to win a purse.

After users register (although they don't have to in order to access most of the site), they can set up a profile page to check their horoscope (get the goods on what's in store for their love lives and their physical fitness); get beauty advice (one quiz currently up is "Which Manicure Is Right For You?"); and vote on star looks (does Drew Barrymore look better glam or funky?).

Girls can also read "life advice" topics such as starting a career in journalism, getting triathlon training support, and creating better sleep habits. To get the buzz on boys -- such as why he didn't call or a list of "new dating rules" -- just click on the Guys tab.

Interactivity is limited to sending e-cards and posting personal experiences such as "nightmarish family vacations." Users can also comment on articles and other editorial content. In the Daily Kiss under the Connect tab, for example, girls can read about a new celeb couple and comment away. "Abusive" posts can be reported and the filter won't allow any bad language to appear.

Fans of this site might also like Seventeen.com.

Reviewed: 04/21/2007

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content The Guys section is quite tame, just a few things about kissing and breaking up with boys.
Violence
Language It seems like there's a filter to weed out offensive language: "S--t" wasn't allowed.
Message
	Social Behavior A sense of girl power is promoted and users of all races should feel included here, but the site focuses on beauty and buying.
	Commercialism There are plenty of ads for beauty products, CosmoGirl magazine, and teen-related products; plus contests and links to sponsors and free gifts.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco
	Educational Value There are some articles and areas that teach girls about healthy eating and keeping the planet green.