Bratz (http://www.bratz.com/)

common sense media says

Girls who are way into fashion -- but not much else.

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the Bratz dolls are all about the next mall crawl, hairstyle, and clothing or other product purchase. The dolls (and site) place a huge emphasis on buying things and how you look. The site features frequent product plugs; kids can also register for the V.I.B. (Very Important Bratz) club by entering their name, e-mail address, and other information. However, there aren't many benefits if you're a member: You're just able to download a few things, like screensavers and wallpaper.

Educational value: The characters' bios make some casual references to their favorite books and class; the Bratz Boutique game teaches girls store management business principles (price mark-up, staffing, and more).

Positive messages: The fashion-obsessed dolls are all about materialism and looking good.

Violence: Not applicable.

Sex: The characters have unrealistic bodies -- complete with tiny waists and huge lips -- that sexualize women and might give girls a skewed idea of what a "real" figure looks like. In addition, the dolls' tight, often tiny outfits were designed to be more sexy than sweet.

Language: Not applicable.

Consumerism: The video section of the site is all commercials; one of the other five basic sections is a catalog of available Bratz dolls. Users can also enter a secret code from the dolls to access more of the site.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

Privacy & safety: Although your name doesn't appear on the site to other users, when registering, you're asked for your full name and email address.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about whether or not girls can have fun looking at info about the Bratz dolls and playing a game on the site without having to feel like they need to buy a bunch of stuff. Does using the site make you want to buy Bratz dolls and accessories? Read our tips about selling to kids.
The Bratz dolls are really into hair, make-up, and fashion. How can you have fun creating a new look or trying out a new style -- without placing too much emphasis on feeling good or bad about yourself based on how you look?
Do you think most girls look like the Bratz dolls? Or do you think the dolls look different from real girls? Does seeing the Bratz dolls add to the pressure of girls feeling like they need to be thin or look a certain way?

Is it any good?

BRATZ.COM feels like a big ad to encourage kids to buy the dressed-up diva dolls (and related accessories). Most of the content -- including doll bios, a Bratz catalog, and TV commercials--centers around pushing the product.

Girls can also register (for free) for the Very Important Bratz Club, which promises special extras -- but they aren't really anything exciting. A couple of the site's games are interesting. One lets girls design their own rock video; another teaches them how to run a business. However, they aren't all as cerebral -- including a love meter that rates your relationship potential.

Overall, the site offers a pretty safe experience; kids can't chat or otherwise interact. However, the emphasis on fashion, appearance and buying a ton of stuff may make parents think twice about encouraging their children to spend much bonding time with the Bratz.

This review was written by Erin Brereton

Review It

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

jasmine@yahooo.com
kid, 12 years old

love it

What other families should know

Bratz (http://www.bratz.com/)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on Bratz

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Review It

Review Bratz

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

Really sterotypical

maybe 12 and up

VMDHFHF

commonsense media

commonsense media

commonsense media

worst rolemodels in the history of rolemodels!

DEFFINETLY for no one

Dumb

7 and up is good

The best web$ite ever.

Fine

Girl Sites and Bratz and Trollz and Winx Club are more for like **** stars and even girl stuff

...

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families

Age-appropriate reviews

Advice on the big issues

vote now

Will you visit Bratz?

Already visited it? What do you think?

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

More girl-centric sites

For kids who love sites for girls

Browse more websites

About our rating system

Browse our library of reviews

See what our editors recommend