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SmartGirl (http://www.smartgirl.org)

common sense media says

Educational teen site lacks sophistication.

parents & educators say
See all 9 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that SmartGirl mixes educational, science-oriented content with first-person contributions from teens, who sometimes write about heavy subjects like self-injury and sex. The site doesn't review content before it's posted, but users generally keep it clean and positive. Parents of tweens will want to preview the large library of links, which includes resources about sexual health and substance abuse.

Educational value: The site mixes some "fluff" content (like horoscopes) with educational activities designed to get girls interested in science and computers. It links to a few educational gaming sites, like CoolMath.
Positive messages: The site takes a "girl power" approach that encourages girls to express themselves creatively and learn more about themselves. The site's overall goal is to attract more girls to science and technology -- fields in which women are traditionally underrepresented.
Violence: There's content on self-injury, suicide, and abusive relationships, including resources for getting help.
Sex: Some columns and stories discuss issues like resisting pressure to have sex and the importance of using condoms.
Language: A few curses in user-generated content, e.g., "Spiders scare the living s--t out of me."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: The site addresses the dangers of drinking, smoking, and drug abuse.
Privacy & safety: Visitors don't have to register to post content, and the site discourages (but does not prevent) users from revealing personal information.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on SmartGirl

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about careers, and about the fact that women are underrepresented in technical fields such as engineering. Talk about some of the reasons girls may be less likely to choose careers in engineering. This can open a discussion about gender, stereotypes, and individuality.

  • Some users express concerns about sex and relationships on this site. Families can talk about media messages about sex. What TV shows and movies offer a realistic depiction of these issues?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Run by the Women in Science & Engineering Program at the University of Michigan, SMARTGIRL is a mix of educational info that encourages girls to get involved in the sciences and more typical teen fare, such as horoscopes and relationship advice. There's a lot of content on the site, but it's not organized -- or designed -- in a way that's very appealing. Graphics are minimal and there aren't any multimedia features, except for some games hosted on outside sites. SmartGirl clearly means well, but it may be too basic for tweens and teens who are used to more sophisticated experiences online.

This review was written by Susan Yudt
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

CSM Screen ...
adult
 
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helped me decide (8) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)
WinterFresh13
teen, 18 years old
 
Really awesome!
This is an excellent website for 12 to 17 year old girls. Lots of advice plus reviews from girls. The surveys are interesting too. Also your basic girl site games such as Crush Barometer and Fortune teller. You can even decode your dreams! Awesome site.
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helped me decide (1) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (4)
AnnShalon
adult
 
Be careful
Parents need to be aware of the issues presented such as gay pride and sexual issues, horoscopes. If this is something you would rather cover with your child then keep them off the website!
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (3)
scoobsarah226
kid, 12 years old
 
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rosegurl772
teen, 16 years old
 
All Girls Should Try This Out
This is a really sweet site. They have cool games and wrting help. That all I can say. It's get for any age.
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (2)
krissy2u
teen, 14 years old
9
 
I think that this site is kind of boring. It needs more color, and more topics for writing.
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gir talk
teen, 16 years old
 
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
XxAluong98Xx
teen, 13 years old
 
WORST SITE EVER!!
This is the worst site in the world! It's ugly with inappropriate stuff and kissing boys and bad words! Worst site EVER!
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love-is-everyt ...
teen, 14 years old
 
OMG. OMG. OMG. OMG. OMG. (you get the idea)
this site is sooo awesome. my mom recamended it to me and said that it looked like a real good site. and it was! i mean, you can submit your issues, poems, writing, and surveys. it is soooo awesome! and a little educational! it is awesome! 5 stars!
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (1)

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
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