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  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 16, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 16.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Social networking with 33 million "friends."

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–18

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    The blog features include a way to keep an online diary, which might improve writing skills. Pandora (the associated music partner) might extend exposure to other musical genres. On the other hand, there's plenty of iffy content to absorb.
 

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    What you'd expect with user-submitted content -- some negative ideas on display, some positive, but the negative ones tend to stand out.

  • Violence:

    Contains user-submitted content that's sometimes graphic. For example, there's an ad for a video site that shows a man jumping out in front of a bus, so he can lie down and let it pass over him.

  • Sex:

    Contains user-submitted content that's sometimes graphic. Ads included a model lying on her stomach clad in underwear and a cami.

  • Language:

    The usual amount you'd expect with user-submitted content.

  • Consumerism:

    Lots and lots of ads, including a banner at the top and skyscraper on the side.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Ads for alcohol were seen.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Friendster

Parents need to know that this site isn't for kids and that members have to be 16 and up. There's a nod to privacy in that users can choose to have their last names hidden and allow only friends to view their profiles and blogs. Unfortunately, the site's settings don't default to the strongest, most private settings when a new member joins. Users have to find the right place to change their privacy settings to make themselves safer. Also, several site features require different memberships in other sites, adding additional layers to privacy and safety concerns.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about safety when using social networking sites -- they aren't just used for singles and dating, but can also be a way to find other people interested in a particular hobby or pastime. What are the benefits of discussing your hobby online? What should you watch out for?
Tools and tips that can help

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Our Members Say

Use this Web site? Review It!

  • What did you think about Friendster?

  •  I think this Web site is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

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  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 11 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    nareez
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Safety is an issue

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    I think i want chatting with my friend.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Parent Reviewer
    irvin
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    • My highlights are:
    • Safety isn't an issue

    easy

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    daphnie
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Negative message

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Safety isn't an issue

    Flag as inappropriate
  4. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    daphnie
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Safety is an issue

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • User content is age appropriate

    LOVE IT

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  5. Parent Reviewer
    wafaley
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Safety is an issue

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

    love it

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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