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Admongo (http://www.admongo.gov)

common sense media says

Fun and funky FTC site teaches kids how to decode ads.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that ADMONGO was designed by the Federal Trade Commission to teach kids "ad-ucation" -- the study of advertising. Designed for kids 8 to 12, the site's main feature is the game-based portion, where users climb up a virtual tower of increasingly challenging levels as they learn the ins and outs of advertising. Kids will come away knowing why the logo on their sneakers is really an ad, and how advertisers use a Facebook profile to tailor advertising specifically to that user, among other things.

Educational value: The site features mini lessons throughout the game portion that point out the nuances of various types of advertsising. Kids can find out why the local bus displays a giant ad, and how advertising finds its way into social media. There's also a full curriculum for teachers, including training videos.
Positive messages: The site points out the good and bad of advertising and marketing. There's a down-to-earth approach that shows users a little knowledge is all it takes to outsmart persuasive ad campaigns.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Privacy & safety: The site asks for a username and password, and reminds visitors to not use their real name.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Admongo

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about advertising. Take a look at an ad, either in print, online or on TV. What does the ad want you to buy? How does the ad make you feel? Is there an added message, like "you'll have lots of friends if you buy this product" or "people will think you're pretty if you wear this brand"?
     
  • Families can talk about how kids are targeted with strategic marketing. Look around and see if you can find examples of selling to kids. How is this type of advertising different from ads targeting adults?
  • Why is it important to learn about online advertising? Can you name a few ways that advertisers use the internet to market their products? Have you ever played an "advergames"

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Never preachy, always punchy, clever and hip, ADMONGO does a super job of schooling kids on the advertising that's all around them. The fictional ads used here as examples of various marketing methods are outstanding, visually appealing, and realistic. Which means kids will be able to relate to the lessons all the more. Kids will find out everything from how a movie can promote a singer's album to the reasons why an ad makes us what to buy a product. It's all set in a fun and funky game world that most kids won't want to leave.

Online interaction: Kids can create avatars, but there is no interaction between users.

This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

drweegee
kid, 10 years old
2
 
This is educational
I Like it
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helped me decide (12) | had useful details (12) | read my mind (9)
H2Clark
parent of 6 and 8 year old
7
 
Learning Fun
My son, 7, thinks this is a good website. We are doing it together for the sake of reading the messages. We've completed level 1 and plan on going back for more.
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (15) | had useful details (9) | read my mind (6)
Elizabeth101
parent of 17 year old
8
 
perfict for any age 8 and up even for tween i say
my two 8 yeare old children love this game the could play this game all day and night if i wear to let them i would recamend this to any other parent.my childerns teacher shoud it to them in class a mounth ago and the still play it all the time they love and it is safe so i now i can late them play it
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (9) | had useful details (10) | read my mind (8)

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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