Tools for this page
Print
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 16.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    If your kids are here (and they are) check it out.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–18

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    None really. Although some musicians and creative types use the site for showcasing their works, this is not an educational medium.
 

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    There's a huge range of behavior exhibited from the in-your-face to the perfectly appropriate.
  • Violence:

    Because this is a content rich site, some posts contain violent images and speech.
  • Sex:

    Often in profiles, discussion boards, and personal blogs.
  • Language:

    Anything goes on this site as long as it isn't hate speech so you see just about any form of profanity, sexual chatter, and come-ons.
  • Consumerism:

    Ads on most pages and sponsored ads on every profile. Some profiles contain outside links.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Often in profiles of both underage kids and legal adults. Pictures and discussions often show up in boards and personal blogs and profiles.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About MySpace

Parents need to know that this site is the center of many teens' communication and social worlds. Users post whatever they want on their pages so a parent should check out their kids' entries. The site doesn't hold itself accountable for anything that appears on it, and in return, just about anything goes -- lots of vulgar language, discussion of adult topics, videos and photos, links to outside sources, and other content that is not for young kids or tweens. Privacy controls are a must since sexual predators can use the site for victims; however, privacy controls allow you to make your site private (you can have only your "friends" IM you and you can block certain people). Because of its high profile, new safety features are always being applied (software that scans instant messages for any inappropriate material, for example). That said, this site is still not appropriate for young teens.

Read our full review by Jean Armour Polly and Heidi Kotansky

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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, and what should you leave out? What can do you do if you feel like someone is bullying you or if someone wants to meet you in person?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Use this Web site? Review It!

  • What did you think about MySpace?
  •  I think this Web site is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 388 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 16 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Safety is an issue

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    i love my space its a place you can go talk to your friends and meet new ones

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Safety is an issue
    • User content isn't age appropriate

    Totally unsafe!

    I agree with the person below. On the news ithey said --and I saw the report with my own eyes -- A 2 YEAR OLD was found through that website. Scary huh? Plus remember what you post in the cyber world can ALWAYS be retreived even if you take it down.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Kentucky
    I rate this title off for age 10 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Safety is an issue
    • User content isn't age appropriate

    Don't ever try it, TOO MANY NUT CASES OUT THERE! FaceBook is ALOT safer,

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title on for age 15 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    • My highlights are:
    • User content is age appropriate

    Great for the older teen but not for younger kids

    Well I think that Myspace is a great website to meet other people and have fun I wouldn't think it should be for 8-13 year old people. That is just my opinion, maybe some people think differently about, maybe not. The main point is that you shouldn't let your younger kids get on it.

  5. I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Safety is an issue
    • User content isn't age appropriate

    Not good 4 kids 17 and under!! ;(

    Never had one, but i cant have one either, its too bad and weirdos could want to be ur freind, facebook is safer!

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Must See TV

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

  • Issue Spotlight

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    Our video game experts weigh in.

  • Download This

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Acccchhhoooo!" A funny reminder to help kids fight the flu.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name