See more website reviews

fbomb (http://www.thefbomb.org)

common sense media says

Edgy feminist blog for teens, by teens.

parents & educators say
See 2 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this buzzed-about blog is the brainchild of 16-year-old feminist Julie Zeilinger. Zeilinger and other contributors tackle feminist topics ranging from mild -- extraordinary women, sexism in pop culture -- to more controversial or sensitive subjects like abortion, rape, and teen sex (though most of the posts are of the “mild” variety). Readers can comment and submit their own posts for consideration. The blog links to some sites that are more superficial or explicit than its own content. Parents' reactions to this site will most likely be influenced by their personal beliefs about feminism, politics, sexuality, and related issues.

Educational value: Discusses current events; highlights women leaders and artists. Readers are encouraged to submit their own posts, including poetry and other creative content.
Positive messages: Parents may or may not agree with the opinions expressed on the blog. Nevertheless, the site promotes intelligent discussion of social issues, encourages critical thinking, and empowers teen girls.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Discusses sex as a political and feminist issue and analyzes its representation by celebrities and in pop culture. Links to some sites (like the Midwest Teen Sex Show) that discuss sex more explicitly.
Language: Occasional use of "the F bomb" and more frequent use of milder curse words. Commenting guidelines say, "Try to keep it clean unless absolutely necessary (direct quotes, mind-blowing frustration)."
Consumerism: No ads; critiques consumerism.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Occasional reference to (but not promotion of) drinking.
Privacy & safety:
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on fbomb

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about which TV shows and movies offer realistic portrayals of teen life. Zeilinger points out that shows like Gossip Girl seem to paint all teens as sex crazed and angst ridden. What shows and characters can you relate to? Which ones feature realistic role models?
  • Families with older teens can talk about how gender stereotypes play into the media’s depiction of sex and sexuality. Contributor Sarah F. blogs about how TV shows and films often pit the “good girl virgin” against the “bad girl slut.” How can this type of stereotyping be harmful?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Created by teen feminist Julie Zeilinger, the scrappy blog FBOMB aims to provide a community for "teenage girls who care about their rights as women and want to be heard," taking on a tone that's "loud, proud, [and] sarcastic." But Zeilinger and the site's other contributors and commenters are also intelligent and insightful. It's a much-needed antidote to the endless Web sites, magazines, and movies that assume that teen girls only care about fashion, boys, and buying stuff.

Online interaction: Though discussions around certain topics can get intense, users are respectful and tend to debate the issues rather than resort to personal attacks.

This review was written by Susan Yudt
 
 

Review It

 

Review fbomb

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

Pinga007
parent of 12 , 14 , and 16 year old
16
 
Feminist or sex-obsessed?
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (8) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (6)
Katy0
teen, 17 years old
14
 
Pretty Good Site
I like this site, however the posts are rather repetitive as the blogger mostly writes about teen issues.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (6) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (6)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you visit fbomb?

Absolutely
Maybe
No way

Already visited it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

More political sites
Browse more websites
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