Parents need to know that this social networking site for tweens looks like it was slapped together quickly in hopes of making a few bucks off advertising. It's too bad because the idea -- networking mixed with plenty of opportunities to be creative -- is good, and we found nothing harmful. However, the look and content are of poor quality. The kids this site might attract if it were better executed are better off building online relationships someplace else like Yomod or Ning.
Educational value:Kids can tease their brains with the handful of puzzles and learn a few scientific facts, but the content here is so sparse there are few teaching moments. In fact, some of the "essays" -- actually urban myths discredited by Snopes -- impart incorrect information.
Positive messages:The site promotes creativity by encouraging children to submit stories, poems, videos, photos, drawings and puzzles. Submissions that receive the highest star ratings from other users are featured as most popular.
Consumerism:Ads aren’t intrusive but they’re junky looking and not age appropriate. Some have fuzzy or squished graphics and misleading links, advertising one product but leading to another site (usually an upscale online boutique for baby items called The Dapper Baby). The creator of Kidgurus, Sounder Dilipan, also advertises his Web design and marketing business on the site.
Privacy & safety:There's little privacy protection here, starting with invasive registration questions that require name, school, and grade, and ask for phone numbers. The site FAQ says moderators hand check submissions before allowing them to be posted, but our "story" appeared on the site instantaneously. Users can't edit or remove items once submitted.
There are no parental control options.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.