ABC Kids (http://tv.disney.go.com/abckids)

common sense media says

A few decent activities for Saturday morning TV show fans.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the ABC Kids site features games and links to pages for shows that run on Saturday mornings, including Hannah Montana, That's So Raven, Suite Life of Zack and Cody, and more. Kids don't need to register to access the ABC Kids games, activities, and show information, but if they venture deeper into the Disney site they may need to create an account for some activities. 

Educational value: While there may occasionally be a lesson to learn, most of the games are just-for-fun activities that don't stress math or other skills.
Positive messages: Some of the ABC Kids shows emphasize positive messages like kids having confidence and being loyal friends -- but most site activities are designed to just help kids have fun interacting with the characters.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: The site links to the main Disney site, which lets kids post comments -- but ones with swear words won't go live.
Consumerism: The site contains ads for products such as Lunchables and frequent plugs to watch ABC shows.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Privacy & safety: Kids don't need to register to access the games and activities. If you do click on one that takes you to the Disney Channel site, you may need to select a D-Name of four characters or more that can't be the same as your account ID and can't include any personal info.

More on ABC Kids

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about how the site lets kids email their favorite show characters. When is it OK to email someone you don't know personally -- like a character from a TV show -- and when is it not a good idea (like someone who just instant messaged you who is a stranger)?
  • What are your favorite ABC Kids shows? Does playing the games and other activities on this site make you like the shows more?
  • This site contains a few ads for different products. Did you notice them when you were using the site? Do ads make you want to buy things more? For discussion ideas, check out our Selling to Kids Tips.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Fans of shows like That's So Raven and Hannah Montana should enjoy clicking around the ABC KIDS site -- they can email their favorite characters, play games based on various shows, and view videos. Because most activities aren't reading-based, younger kids can use the site. And there are a few clever things to do -- such as a Hannah Montana activity that lets kids click through emails on Miley Stewart's laptop.

However, the rest of the content is pretty basic: a few games for each show, some photos and other information, plus promotional items like downloadable wallpaper and posters. But that isn't likely to keep kids interested for long. In addition, the site navigation isn't always clear; it's easy to accidentally end up on the main Disney Channel site. The content there is perfectly safe -- but for kids hoping to rev up a driving game from The Replacements and then get a Suite Life of Zack & Cody fix, it could be confusing.

Online interaction: Kids can email show characters through the site by entering their first name, age, and state of residence. Emails may eventually appear on TV or online.


This review was written by Erin Brereton
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

GLAMKAT
kid, 11 years old
 

WriterGirl1233
teen, 14 years old
 
Good for tweens
Its cool for people who watch disney or abc kids.

 
perfect!
It was the best website for any child! I think you should except it to kids.

Mojo
teen, 15 years old
 
ABC kids
This website is so much different then the regular ABC channel. It's really fun and I chalenged my dad to play one of the games. He didn't wanna look at the directions and he quit after the first 30 seconds. It was a game about business and he acully didn't get it!

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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