 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
foursquare
Common Sense Media says
Location-based social network too risky for younger teens.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Foursquare is a location-based social network that encourages members to meet in person. Granted, the service warns users to friend carefully and does provide pretty good privacy, including the option to post anonymously. But a big part of this new breed of social networking is sharing where you are and inviting other members to drop by. With photos of attractive young members featured on the Web site and tie-ins to Facebook and Twitter, it will be all too tempting for some kids to attempt making new real-life friends with Foursquare. And with no age limits or predator filters, that could be a dangerous thing to do.
Is it any good?
Foursquare shows promise as a way for people on the go to socialize. Users set up a member profile on the Foursquare Web site. The text-based mobile page for laptop users is ugly and limited in functionality, but the iPhone app is easy to use. (Android, Blackberry, and Palm Pre apps are available too.) The Foursquare database offers plenty of locations ranging from bars and restaurants to hardware stores and libraries to famous landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty. A map, Yelp reviews, a commenting capability, and auto notifications round out the best features. Each check-in at a location earns points, which for now translate into menu discounts and the like. We have just one request: deep-six the badges with rude names. Just what does it take to earn a Douchebag award, anyway?
Online interaction: Anything goes and there are no moderators. Users tell friends where they are by checking in -- tapping in a location on phone or laptop -- when they arrive. Notified friends can then send an email, call, or just show up for an in-person connection. Users also can check tweets near a specific location to see who’s out and about. The tweets that popped up near a bar in our neighborhood were full of kid-inappropriate content.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Location-based social networks take the reach of cell phones into kids' lives yet another step farther. If you’re still struggling to set limits on cell phone use, read our usage tips.
If they're careful, kids can use a location-based social network like Foursquare safely. Discuss the importance of never agreeing to meet a stranger from the Internet and limiting friends to real-life pals. We have more social networking advice here.
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Educator and Parent of 5 and 9 year old
February 4, 2010
AGE
I like it for me but not for kids unless over 17!
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Adult
January 27, 2011
AGE
Any social networking site can be dangerous. The best way to deal with this is to create an account of your own, and make your child add you to the friend list with full access. This way you'll be able to see what they're saying, and decide whether or not it could be dangerous, or inappropriate.
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Kid, 11 years old
November 9, 2010
AGE
Dangerous
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Parent
April 12, 2010
AGE
For children ages 18 and up.
This website seems inappropriate for children until they are 18 years old. Why? There is alot of foul langauge, sex issues, and privacy issues.
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Kid, 8 years old
March 19, 2011
AGE
SHOULD BE NO KIDS!!
People put inappropriate and sometimes dodgey stuff.
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Teen, 15 years old
March 6, 2011
AGE
foursquare is totally awseome!!!!!!!
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Adult
September 20, 2010
AGE
Can safely be used, but can be very dangerous.
Make it easier for pedophiles to know where you hang out!
And they get 5 points for adding their house. 5 points is 5 points, ya know.
Then, some people like to use the shout-outs to say things that aren't always appropriate.
Yes, you can limit your information to friends, but then you take some of the intrigue out of the game. So why bother in the first place?
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Kid, 11 years old
April 12, 2011
AGE
A great way to explore the city with your friends and family!
Let me tell you this: foursquare is an amazing website - when put to use correctly.
foursquare is a new generation of social networks that allow you to 'check in' (broadcast your location online) to your favourite places, be it the public park, or a local Starbucks. It also lets you leave online 'tips' for the places. These are essentially mini-reviews or, as the name suggests, tips (e.g. "Ask for the secret sauce!" at a burger restaurant).
Whilst it does have some significant security vulnerabilities - mainly the fact that it openly broadcasts your location publicly - foursquare, if used correctly, can become a great way to explore your town or city with your family or friends.
The bottom line, however, is that, unless your child is about 15/16 years old, do not let your child create your own account. My account is my parents as well, and they control it. It could give away your location to pedophiles, etc. although while the government promotes it, most of the internet is not full of rapists that will abduct your children. It's a very stereotypical view.
The pure reason I have rated it on for 11+ is because it is a brilliant way to find potential new restaurants/places of leisure for you and your family!
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Kid, 12 years old
March 1, 2012
AGE
what the heck
for 17 yrs olds kiddin right just language on this so what it is life people so people can take words like what they have use it
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| Genre: | Social Networking |
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