HowStuffWorks (http://www.howstuffworks.com/)
common sense media says
Excellent tool for kids with nuts-and-bolts questions.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that HowStuffWorks.com is an award-winning educational site that provides historical information about many age-appropriate topics (these topics include, but aren't limited to, animals, culture, automobiles, politics, money, science, and entertainment). Articles use simple terms so to be accessible to a wide age range. The topics that are iffy for younger kids -- drugs, alcohol, sex, weapons, etc. -- are handled in a scientific or historical way. Parents should be aware that sponsored search results and Google Ads may contain inappropriate content.
Educational value:
Interesting, random, and commonplace facts are revealed about a wide array of topics. The site is chock-full of historical information about, well, how stuff works.
Violence:
Articles topics include dangerous animals, war, and violent crimes such as rape, as well as the history of particular weapons. Searches may result in links to iffy sites such ammunitions dealers in "sponsored results" ads.
Sex:
Historical articles reference prostitution and break down the history of "kissing"; other article topics include orgasm and oral sex. There are also sections on human reproduction. Diagrams are anatomical, and animations are kid-friendly cartoons. The site includes a resource for parents explaining sex to kids entitled "Makin' Babies," with topics from conception to childbirth. There's a less-detailed version for younger kids. Searches for sex-related terms may turn up "sponsored results" ads for sexy screensavers, dating services, etc.
Language:
Not applicable.
Consumerism:
The site's consumer focus, while quite prevalent, is not force-fed. Along with links to commercial sites and many ads, an article page may also include links to the HowStuffWorks Consumer Guide, a partner site that offers product and price comparisons, reviews, and other articles.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Entries about illicit drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are informative, not glorified. Some even link to sites that promote a drug-free lifestyle.
Privacy & safety:
Some privacy concerns. While no registration is required to use the site, the site does use beacons and cookies to track visitors' online behavior. The site asks for personally identifiable information if users personally contact the site, enter a competition, or purchase a product. The information is used for marketing purposes and/or responding to user inquiries. Personal information may be shared with third parties if the site merges with another corporation, to fulfill a service to the user, or if required to by law.
More on HowStuffWorks
Review It
Most useful reviews by all members
zhp7654
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
It can teach
I searched for Punnett Squares and it can teach you really well. You can try it with how plushes were made or electronics and more.
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
honey nice
kid, 11 years old
kid, 11 years old
Really gooood
it is a great site mostly can be used for kids!!! i have quite satified with this site!!! :-)
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
alterrevo
adult
adult
a good choice for the curious kid (or kid at heart)
Although some content is technical, knowledge-hungry kids will find this site worth the read. Ads are present, but are kid friendly and by far the least interesting part of the web page.
Also, i like this site for children because it encourages reading for personal pleasure and imaginativeness/curiosity: two things that are not always easy to instill in some children.
Also, the content is aimed at all age groups, kids to seniors. Because of this, the language (minus technical terms) is easy to read and understand, and adults can find interesting topics, too.
From, "how bed bugs work" to, "how credit scores work," any curious, literate person can enjoy howstuffworks*.
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
An independent voice for families
Advice on the big issues
Already visited it? What do you think?
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
