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  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 16.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Edgy feminist blog for teens, by teens.

On this site kids can:   blog, connect with like-minded kids, express themselves, help a cause, learn about a specific topic, post comments, post content

Why We Rated This on for Ages 16 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Discusses current events; highlights women leaders and artists. Readers are encouraged to submit their own posts, including poetry and other creative content.
  • User-created content:

    Users comments and posts add value to the site, enriching the discussion by introducing different perspectives.
  • 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.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • 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.
 

How safe is it?

  • Personal privacy:

    Not an issue.
  • 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.
  • Parental controls:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About fbomb

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.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Missouri
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages

    Pretty Good Site

    I like this site, however the posts are rather repetitive as the blogger mostly writes about teen issues.

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