It Gets Better Project

Review

Common Sense Media says

LGBT site offers teens advice on how to cope with bullying.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that It Gets Better is a support site to help lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered teens find acceptance with who they are. The site encourages teens to look forward to the future and to be excited about who they will become, even though today they may be experiencing struggles with bullying and tormenting. LGBT adults, mentors, and supporters provide testimonials, and their message is the same: No matter how trying life seems, it does indeed get better. Each person who enters the site is asked to take a pledge to stand up against hate and intolerance. Users can create videos or interact through comments on the site's blog. The blog includes stories about LGBT people "coming out" to friends and family members, and also gives updates on the campaign's progress.

  • Positive messages4
    There is a place in society for each person. People become more knowledgeable and accepting as they experience more diversity.
  • Violence3
    Some testimonials include stories of hate crimes and suicidal thoughts with advice on how to cope.
  • Sex2
    This is a site that helps LGBT teens find comfort in their sexual orientation and gender identity. There are discussions about coping with the acceptance of being lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgendered.
  • Language2
    Stories are told about teens who were bullied and called "fag."
  • Consumerism1
    The site accepts donations for the campaign, and people can purchase It Gets Better merchandise. 
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
  • Privacy & safety3
    It Gets Better asks for your name and email address when engaging in the "Take The Pledge" and "Share Your Story" sections. They then may use your information to send you links about the campaign or to include you in information regarding like-minded organizations. Only kids who are 13 and older may use the site. User content becomes public information, so people are encouraged not to include personal information such as their names, addresses, or phone numbers. Users can engage in the website's blog and are encouraged to create videos. This information will remain online indefinitely, and once submitted immediately becomes property of the It Gets Better campaign. Videos can be edited and published as the organization sees fit.
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Is it any good?

 

IT GETS BETTER sends LGBT teens a very important message: You are not alone. The site offers a place where teens can feel love from a supportive community when overwhelmed by hopelessness. The campaign was created by columnist Dan Savage and his partner, Terry, as a movement to eliminate the emotional damage of bullying and hate crimes. The movement aims to help struggling LGBT teens understand that adolescence can be a very difficult time, but is a diminutive part of life.

The testimonials on this site are from successful LGBT adults who are currently following their dreams and leading lives of happiness, and there are also videos from supporters such as President Obama and the San Francisco Giants baseball team. These stories of support make this an essential site for LGBT teens who may be struggling with acceptance.

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about sexual orientation, gender identity, and accepting diversity.

  • Families can also talk about how to approach bullying and cyberbullying. Discuss what to do if being taunted and tortured at school. Whom can you talk to and what are the appropriate actions to take?

This review was written by Karen Wirsing

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This review was written by Karen Wirsing
Genre:Educational
This review was written by Karen Wirsing

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
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