Parents need to know that this news site designed by hip-hop artist Pharrell Williams covers some mature topics, like teen pregnancy and crime, but not in a tabloid manner. The news is delivered in a format that's easy to read and doesn't put a lot of spin or attitude into the story. Basically, it's just the facts -- but the site's clear point of view is that kids shouldn't be protected from news. Celebs profiled in the entertainment section appear to be wholesome choices, rather than sensational, and there is a focus on getting teens to think about their future with career profiles and opportunities to contribute to the site.
Educational value:Timely news is presented in short, digestible formats for teens. There are also opportunities for visitors to listen to music that they may never have heard or read blogs from other adolescents.
Positive messages:A "be all you can be" attitude is apparent here, with news stories working to inform teens of what's going on, while offering up inspirational stories in the "Cool Jobs" department that feature a diverse group of young adults doing what they love.
Sex:The site doesn't shy aware from news and health stories relating to sex. Some stories that have appeared include a report on a 10-year-old rape victim and the abortion controversy surrounding her story, and changes in teen pregnancy rates.
Consumerism:There is no warning when clicking on an advertisers page, so kids might not realize they have left the site. There are only a few ads, including one for an art website and another for founder of the site, Pharrell Williams' clothing line.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:Health stories related to smoking can be read here. All of the stories are based on recent studies and reports and focus on the dangers of these addictions.
This is a nice website for when you just want to check the news for a few minutes. The articles are pretty brief and to-the-point, yet informative all the while. It covers categories from Business and Politics to Entertainment and Fashion. It's a very safe website. Some of the issues covered in articles may be a bit mature for very young children, but for most kids and tweens, it's probably a lot better than watching the news.