Common Sense Note
Parents should know that on this very creative fashion site, tween and teen girls can safely correspond with each other via message boards. There are two different types of communication: a private chat, where friends invite friends, and "chatterbox," a string of posts or texts moderated for offensive language and inappropriate posts. The site also complies with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. There are ads on the site, and a big part of the site is about shopping, fashion, and makeup.
Families can discuss online safety. Why is it fun to make friends online? What precautions must you take when interacting with strangers? What information can or can't be shared online. Families can also talk about a career in fashion design. How do you become a designer? What kind of school and hard work is involved?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Lucy Maher
On GIRLSENSE.COM, tween fashionistas can be true girly girls by designing clothing items, commenting on other people's clothes in their online closets, and creating makeup looks on virtual dolls.
After joining for free, each member (the site says there are more than 10 million) can create an avatar (cartoon version of herself) and get to work designing dresses, skirts, and T-shirts. She can stock them in her boutique for others to see and buy with "g-cents," which are earned with every login. What's more, there's an area for creating makeup looks on cartoon models, numerous style-related polls ("What's Your Favorite Hairstyle" or "What Kind Of Hat Do You Wear?"), and games such as "Stylin' Pedicure" and "Bad Hair Day." Girls can post anonymously on moderated message boards or invite their friends via email to private chat rooms.
While it might appear fluffy, GirlSense.com gives tweens and teens an environment to communicate -- and design -- with like-minded peers. There doesn't seem to be much educational value, but parents might find it a good vehicle for expressing creativity.
Fans of this site might also enjoy Imbee.com or MissOAndFriends.com.
Reviewed: 04/08/2007
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