See more website reviews

iCue (http://www.icue.com)

common sense media says

NBC's safe and informative political haven.

parents & educators say
Be the first to review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is a top-notch education, news, and discussion site for those who want to dig into politics, especially the '08 presidential elections. Created with the help of research based on MIT's Education Arcade, this site knows how to keep users on track for a quality educational experience -- that means respectful, diverse, and on point message boards and ways to report posters if they're inappropriate. Featuring video clips from the NBC news video archives that take on the form of "cue cards," users can save, archive, write on, and discuss their favorites.

Educational value: Initially created as a student aid for AP coursework, this site contains a vast amount of educational information for teens and adults on all things U.S. politics.
Positive messages: The site's current focus is helping teens educate themselves and discuss the '08 presidential election in interactive, fun ways. Thus far, the message boards contain no flaming and include some meaty topics.
Violence: Only in a newsy way.
Sex: None observed on the iCue site; however, if teens go to the Student Center, they're sometimes routed to the MSNBC.MSN.com site where celebrity gossip includes some racy Hollywood-style news. For example, there's currently a slide show of photos of a bra-only wearing Britney Spears.
Language: Although not watched 24/7, moderators do keep tabs on content posted on the message boards, which thus far seems to be respectful, diverse, and on point. There's a report abuse button on the bottom of each post, and moderators even delete messages posted in all caps, to discourage escalating heated debates.
Consumerism: NBC logos are the only ads here. If users go to the Student Center, however, the MSNBC site they're linked to contains lots of ads.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: See above warning about link to MSNBC celeb gossip site. Some Hollywood news talks about drinking and drugs.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on iCue

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about everything related to the '08 presidential election using this information-packed site as a discussion starter, reference, and current events log. Discuss with your teen some of the site's rules for civil discourse, an important reminder on- and offline during an election year. View the site through the lens of media criticism and discuss the downsides of getting political news from only one media outlet. Is NBC presenting all candidates in an unbiased light? Do they seem to favor one candidate more than others? How can your teen make sure they're getting balanced news coverage?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
The site's video, discussion boards, games, quizzes, and daily discussion starters help users dig into the people and issues in politics. Teens interested in broadcast journalism will also find the extensive video archives excellent case studies in political broadcasting. The site doesn't have a ton of registered users yet, and the discussion boards are only moderately active, but as the presidential election heats up, iCue.com may just be the hot spot in political education and discussion for junior high, high school, college, and even parents looking for a place to research, debate, and decide.
This review was written by Dana Villamagna
 
 

Review It

 

Review iCue

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

There aren’t any reviews yet. Ask your friends to review this title.

More reviews ...

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

vote now

Will you visit iCue?

Absolutely
Maybe
No way

Already visited it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

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