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ChannelOne (http://www.channelone.com)

common sense media says

Smart current events site has some fluff.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this site is the online partner of Channel One News, a news service broadcast in more than 11,000 middle and high schools. Some groups have voiced objections to the news service because its 10-minute broadcast contains two minutes of commercials. The Web site itself has a fair amount of advertising, including banner ads. Otherwise, the site is safe and appropriate for teens. There's one section that allows users to submit videos, but it requires permission from a parent. Parents will appreciate the content on Internet safety.

Educational value: Student Life section has some fluffy stuff, but teens will learn a lot from the news section.
Positive messages: Encourages volunteering and civic involvement; includes videos of kids/teens who are making a difference.
Violence: Covers tough subjects like genocide and war.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Large banner ads and some sponsored content.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on ChannelOne

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the Channel One advertising controversy. Is advertising on the site less objectionable than in the classroom, since web users aren't a "captive audience"? Why is the U.S. Army such a prominent advertiser on the site? Our Selling to Kids can help kick off a conversation about the relationship between ads and content.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Some of the featured content ("Kabbalah Love Calculator" and "Name That Star") seems straight out of a mainstream teen mag. But get past that fluffy fare and teens will find compelling current events coverage. Tackling topics with quizzes, commentary, and games (like the very handy Credit Card Simulator) creates a rich user experience. The new Livewire section has some cool videos, but each one starts with the same contest announcement which is tedious to watch over and over again.
This review was written by Susan Yudt
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

PrincessMariah
kid, 11 years old
10
 
Perfect for tweens 10+
I Love it and so does my daughter it is safe and fun.
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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (3)
schuymarch1
teen, 17 years old
 
Cool site...
Cool site
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)
cammy48
kid, 11 years old
6
 
Great site
the topics are a little strong, but not as bad as the news. This site was probably geared towards teens, but it is okay for tweens/older kids.
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)

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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