Common Sense Media Review
By Erin Brereton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Safe social networking for kids under 13.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
What's It About?
Jabbersmack, formerly Kidsocial, has social networking down to a near science. Kids under 13 can only friend real-life acquaintances by giving them a "Secret Friendship Code," and a parent needs to approve the account before kids can communicate. However, although the safeguarded social networking likely will be a big draw, some parents may not be crazy about kids' ability to follow specific brands
Is It Any Good?
Many social networking sites try to safeguard kids under 13, with mixed results -- but, on most counts, Jabbersmack gets it right. Users who are over 13 can add friends using their Facebook accounts, but younger kids are required to text or print out a code for each friend they invite. They can play games, watch TV, or listen to tunes without getting parental approval. However, before kids under 13 post photos or other items, parents -- who also can register to monitor their kids' site activity -- need to verify and approve a child's account. And kids can't fool the system by entering their own email addresses during registration: A credit card is required to verify the account (the charge is less than $1 but proves an adult is giving the OK).
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why it's safer for a social networking site to only let you chat and share things with friends you know from school and other places. Why might it be a bad idea to friend a stranger on another site that doesn’t have any restrictions?
Families can talk social networking sites such as Facebook and whether they guard the safety of kids, especially kids under 13. Check out Common Sense's "Facebook for Parents" tip sheet.
Even though you're only talking to friends you know on Kidsocial, it's still not a good idea to say anything hurtful or mean. What common courtesies should you follow when posting comments and other things for friends? How should you react if someone says something that makes you feel uncomfortable?
Website Details
- Subjects : Language & Reading : discussion , presenting to others , Arts : drawing , music
- Skills : Communication : conveying messages effectively , multiple forms of expression , Tech Skills : social media
- Genre : Social Networking
- Pricing structure : Free
- Last updated : November 11, 2020
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