Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this sports social networking site requires users to be 13 or older to register, but it's really not appropriate for younger teens. Many of the profiles have racy photos (like a girl in skimpy underwear barely covering her breasts with her hands), and some of the comments are rude ("how f--king stupid are people"), way sexual ("I want to f--k you real bad baby"), or downright creepy ("hey beautiful do you like your feet licked"). As on many social networking sites, teens are posting things they shouldn't, like full names, email addresses and IMs, hometowns, and high schools. The site does allow users to make their profiles private and contains a page of safety tips, but it takes a more permissive stance on sharing information than most parents would. There are some cool features such as videos of impressive feats and the positive comments left about them.
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? What should you leave out? How do you know if you can trust someone enough to make them a "friend" so they have access to your private information? What can you do if you feel like someone is bullying you or wants to meet you in person? Families can also talk about commercialism in sports, and how advertising is sometimes disguised as content -- like asking users to list their favorite sports drink, or organizing groups around products like Brine lacrosse gear and even Tampax Pearl tampons. And what about the "High School Heisman" contest that's sponsored by Wendy's? Check out our guides Selling to Kids and Talking to Your Kids About Junk Food and Fast Food Advertising for some talking tips.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Susan Yudt
TAKKLE.COM -- Sports Illustrated's partner site and social networking hub for high school athletes and fans -- might just get a time-out. Athletes are encouraged to create profiles with stats, photos, and videos that show off their skills to college recruiters, and coaches can use the site to organize schedules and practices and scout rival teams. What scores? Videos of a kid hitting 19 three-pointers in a row, a 17' 9" pole vault, gravity-defying cheerleading stunts, and users giving each other props for these great athletic feats. Users can also nominate their favorite Takkle.com athletes to star in "Faces in the Crowd," a popular Sports Illustrated feature, and join groups dedicated to favorite sports, teams, and events. What tanks? Relentless advertising, risqué user profiles, and rude and off-color comments put a real damper on team spirit.
For a safer sports sites, check out NBCSports.com and HighSchoolSports.net.
Reviewed: 09/12/2007
Rate It!
| Content | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS | adults | kids | ||
Sexual ContentSexual comments ("I want to f--k you real bad baby") and profile photos of girls in very skimpy attire. |
 |
|||
Violence |
 |
|||
LanguageProfanity in some profiles and comments ("how f--king stupid are people" and "f--k it bitch") |
|
|||
Message |
|
|||
Social BehaviorA wide range -- some inspiring videos and encouraging comments, some trash talk. |
 |
|||
CommercialismThere are ads -- and ads disguised as content -- everywhere, including a contest sponsored by Wendy's. |
 |
|||
Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoReferences to drinking in some profiles. |
|
|||
Educational Value |
|
|||
