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The Activators (http://www.theactivators.net/)

common sense media says

Fitness site weak on content but strong on motivation.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that THE ACTIVATORS is designed to encourage kids and families to exercise and be active. Parents can download an Activator Pledge, which says kids will make a commitment to eat healthy foods and exercise daily, and a membership card. Kids can also follow the Activators on Facebook and Twitter, and the site offers a free e-newsletter.

Educational value: Although the overall "make exercise fun" message is great, there currently aren't too many exercise examples or too much specific instruction on the site.
Positive messages: The site encourages exercise's importance -- and its fun factor.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: The site’s shopping section features My Gym and Activator clothing, CDs, and more. Parents who download the Activator Pledge and membership card PDF receive a coupon for a discount on shipping.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Privacy & safety:
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Activators

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Why exercise is important -- why is it a good idea to be physically active on a frequent basis?
  • How much exercise do you currently get a day?
  • How can you get more exercise each day in a fun way?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Frustrated with the lack of online content promoting physical activity, screenwriter (and dad) Gregg Lichtenstein created THEACTIVATORS.NET with national fitness center chain My Gym Children's Fitness Center, which offers classes for kids who are 6 months to 13 years old, to encourage kids to get physically fit. Featuring four "Activators" -- perky, 20-something My Gym instructors -- the site's videos stress how fun "exer-sillies" can be. Kids can also download exercise how-to pages, coloring pages, and paper crafts like photo frame projects.

The site is off to a good start -- the Activators have a lot of energy, and the short videos include enough zany graphics and sounds to keep younger kids' interested. However, it's a little shy on content. Right now, there are only three videos to watch; according to the site, more are coming soon. Likewise, the site's photo section isn't all that interesting -- it's mostly just snapshots of the Activators posing -- and kids can easily download all the activities in the site's Printables section on their first visit. Let's hope the Activators stay active and upload some more site content soon.

This review was written by Erin Brereton
 
 

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About our rating system
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
Our child development rating guidelines