Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this site's main content is fairly kid-friendly -- both in tone and lack of racy or adult content -- but some of the sports stunts featured in videos, photos, and discussions wouldn't be safe for non-pros to try. And, some videos even show bloody injuries (a skater's cut hand) after falls. Although you have to be 13 to register and post a profile on the site, unregistered users can cruise around the amateur videos, news posts, message boards (they're moderated), and user profiles -- on which kids post a variety of content (and, as with any profile-based site, it's pretty clean although there's always the chance inappropriate language or photos will appear). The site has some banner ads and its store lists several "approved affiliates" or links that allow speed sport addicts to shop for sports apparel, music downloads, games, and more.
Families can talk about Internet safety with social networking sites. Our Top Ten Tips for Kids for Viral Media is a great resource, but these questions should get the conversation started: What information should you include in your profile? How do you know if you can trust someone enough to make them a "friend" so they can contact you? What can you do if you feel like someone is bullying you or wants to meet you in person? Families can also discuss the risk factor involved in some of the high-action skate and BMX stunts featured on the site. While there's a "wow" factor, are they safe? How can you make them safer?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Erin Brereton
If Go211.com had a battle cry, it would be, "Action sports fans, unite!" And, with a number of user-generated videos, message boards, and member profiles, that's just what the site hopes surf, skate, snowboard, and BMX addicts will do. This mini MySpace/news source lets kids chat via the site's moderated message boards, or read a daily news feed about each sport. Go211 users can also bond by posting online bios that feature videos, blogs, and photos. A bonus for visual learners: The site's four sports-specific sections contain amateur and Go211-exclusive videos -- videos that often show stunts gone awry. Want to find a sports happening? Go to the events section and see the many corporate-sponsored events going on. The site also features a music player with bios and tracks from dozens of artists to give fans background sound with their sports rush.
Sports junkies will also enjoy NBCSports.com and ESPN's video podcasts.
Reviewed: 08/29/2007
Rate It!
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ViolenceThe extreme stunts shown on the site may cause injury -- and some do. Footage does capture the injuries (a bloody hand after a fall, for example). |
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LanguageThe message board moderators will censor inappropriate language, but the profile comments are open. |
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Social Behavior |
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CommercialismThe site's store sells clothing and other non-sports stuff (music, travel). There are banner ads. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoSome of the videos show underage kids drinking, but most of the footage is tame in this area. |
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