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 14, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    A MySpace for sports fans with a betting twist.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    While gambling is explicitly prohibited, everyone who signs up starts with 1,000,000 FanBux to challenge other site members with a "gentlemen's bet" on sports topics using FanBux.

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    No overt sexual content on main site, but individual members' profiles and comments may contain inappropriate sexual references.

  • Language:

    There's a warning in the terms against posting inappropriate content, but individual members' profiles and comments are not monitored.

  • Consumerism:

    Banner ads advertise TV brands, the NFL, sports news, and more.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    The Fan Finder feature locates the sports bar nearest to your zip code where you can see the game you're interested in.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Sportsfanlive

Parents need to know that teen sports fans will love this slick, well-organized college and pro sports fan site patterned after MySpace. Kids are supposed to be at least 13 to join, and there appears to be a lot of 18+ adult males in the membership. Some features are clearly intended for adults, like the "FanFinder," which is a way to find the sports bar nearest you. The profile page gives the option to enter your real name, hometown, photo, and other personal information, which raises safety questions for teens on this mixed teen/adult forum. But there's a safer option offered to make your real name known only to friends, or to use the site without using your name. Also, individual members' profiles and the comments on them aren't monitored, raising the chance of encountering rough language and inappropriate sexual references.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how to handle yourself in a mixed teen/adult group on the Internet -- just because you're talking about something as straightforward as sports doesn't mean everyone's motives are good. Also, what's the line between fun "gentlemen's bets" on sports with fake money and gambling with real cash?
Tools and tips that can help

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

Our Members Say

Use this Web site? Review It!

  • What did you think about Sportsfanlive?

  •  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

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 9+
    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Book of the Week

    Age 10+
    Million-Dollar Throw

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Another Lupica sensitive dad/son sports story.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Download This

    Age 3+
    "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
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
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

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
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
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
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
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.