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Get Animated (http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/promos/getanimated/index.php)

common sense media says

Heavily promoted fitness program offers slim pickings.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this Web site is a promotion site for the Cartoon Network's national fitness tour known as Get Animated. Besides listing all the tour dates and info surrounding the stops, the site also features a few educational videos and games that relate to sports, nutrition, and health. All the features use Cartoon Network characters. You'll find Bloo and Mac from Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends give a musical lesson on nutrition labels, and  Ben from Ben10 playing a virtual game of b-ball. Although there isn't a whole lot of content on the site, it will probably gets kids' attention as it is being heavily promoted on Cartoon Network .

Educational value: Aside from the generally positive message to keep fit, there are no detailed instructions or information for users about how to go about this process of change.
Positive messages: The site uses sports stars like Dwayne Wade and Anna Kournikova to get kids interested in staying fit and healthy. These celebs show how much fun it is to play sports and be active with friends.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Cartoon Network characters are used throughout the site to promote the health and fitness message. There are also links to sponsor pages, although these are usually nonprofit organizations like the Boys & Girls Club of America.The site also runs ads throughout the site for the Network's shows and Fusion Fall game cards.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Privacy & safety: No data collection going on here. There are no controls in place because the content is minimal and appropriate for all ages. There is a "For Parents" section that provides information and links to supporting organizations.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Get Animated

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • How do companies use Web sites to cross-promote their products? Read our Selling to Kids Tips to learn about how to detect clever advertising techniques. Can you think of any instances where an appeal to your health and wellness was used to sneak in an ad?
  • Junk food advertising can usually be found during cartoon and kids' programming. Why do you think that's so? Check out our Junk Food Ad Tips and learn how to resist the constant temptations.
  • Do you think Cartoon Network is doing an admirable job promoting a healthy lifestyle? Do you think you can watch cartoons and cable television and still lead a healthy and fit life? How do you balance out your TV time with your physical activity needs?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Maybe it's Cartoon Network's way of encouraging kids to log off the computer, because their fitness Web site GET ANIMATED does little to keep visitors entertained online. With a measly one game and three videos, the site comes up short on the goal of getting kids pumped to get in shape. The videos that are available are witty, engaging and fun, employing Cartoon Network characters to get healthy lessons out there. But it's just not enough. Even the promotion of the national Get Animated tour is paltry and doesn't give any details on what visitors can expect from the regional events.

Online interaction: The site promotes the Get Animated Tour and encourages kids to attend its rallies scheduled nationwide.

This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 
 

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samdy
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Its very cute
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
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