Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this online counterpart to tween magazines Tiger Beat and BOP focuses on celebrities and their often trivial happenings. Kids can post comments about their favorite celebs or the latest gossip on blogs and other areas, but these seem fairly well monitored to filter negative or inappropriate language and to make sure no one gives out any personal information (according to the site's Terms of Use monitoring isn't 24/7). Also, while the site doesn't display any product ads, there are links to sites that do offer the opportunity to purchase products or enter contests, so parents may need to set (or reiterate) rules or parameters regarding online purchases and the giving out of personal information.
Families can talk about celebrity culture and what makes teen stars so popular. Is there a particular movie or pop star that you look up to, and why? Why do you think kids like him/her so much? Do you try to imitate things your favorite stars do -- the way they dress or talk? Do you envy their life and popularity? Do you think they're a good role model for kids your age? How important is it to be considered popular and "cool"? Can you think of some other qualities a person might have that are just as important, if not more?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Larisa Wiseman
The online counterpart to tween celebrity gossip magazines Tiger Beat and BOP, TIGERBEATMAG.COM supplements those publications by providing an online community where star-struck youths can catch up on the very latest news about their idols and voice their opinions (comments are filtered). A blog called The Daily Dish provides up-to-date info on the celebs kids are raving about, and the BOPtv section has video clips featuring celebs, music videos, and previews of upcoming TV shows. Kids can get a sneak peek at the next print issue, and there are tons of polls to participate in. While obsession with Hollywood and music stars is a natural part of adolescence -- and could be positive if the teen celebrities in question are particularly strong role models -- this site and its related publications may help push that fixation too far. Some tweens and teens may try to emulate a star just because he or she is considered "cool"; they may need some encouragement to examine their own strengths and skills and focus on developing those, rather than living vicariously through their idols.
A better choice for tween girls is MyPopStudio.com, which challenges girls to think critically about celebrity culture and how it might affect their own identity.
Reviewed: 12/11/2007
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentThere are some general comments about the sexual appeal of certain celebrities (example: "He's sooooo HOT!!!"); nothing explicit, though. Music videos may show female pop stars in clothing that could be considered sexy and perhaps inappropriate for that age group to wear. |
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LanguageHeadlines are peppered with "OMG!" exclamations (that's abbreviated tween-speak for "Oh my God!"), but that's as bad as it gets. |
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Social BehaviorThe site (and the actual Tiger Beat and BOP magazines) may encourage star-struck tweens and young teens to try to emulate celebrities and live in a glamorous dream world rather than focusing on their own real lives and developing their own personal strengths and skills. |
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CommercialismThere are no blatant product ads, but the site does display links to other sites where you can buy things (such as ringtones or High School Musical merchandise, for example). Also included are video clips promoting upcoming TV shows on the Cartoon Network, plus ads for contests that you can enter to win stuff. |
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