MyCyc (http://mycyc.com/)
common sense media says
Teens voice their angst -- and offer support to others.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is a straightforward blogging site for teens, free of the social networking dimension of sites like MySpace. Although the site says it's specifically for teens from 13 to 19, anyone has the ability to register and create a blog. Blogs mostly center on adolescent relationship dramas and social angst. Also, don't confuse this site with another one calling itself a teen blog -- that's a porn site.
Educational value:
Gives teens the opportunity to write and publish their own works and read what other teens have contributed. Poetry, critical reviews, and blogs can all be found on the site; there are also opportunities for teens to volunteer in editorial positions on the site.
Violence:
Some posts include references to abuse.
Sex:
Although for the most part there is generally no explicit sexual discussions, many blogs focus on some aspect of teen relationships. Many of the bloggers describe themselves as being in middle school and discuss breaking up with boys, dating, kissing, and "relationship issues." Some posts include references to having sex.
Language:
Because there is very little that is edited from these blogs, there is profanity. Words like s--t, f--k, and whore can all be found in posts. However the profanity is not rampant and usually there is only one or two expletives in a blog.
Consumerism:
No ads, no sponsors.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
One blog discusses a friend's death due to a drug overdose and another mentions the use of Oxycontin. Writers openly discuss the use of drugs and alcohol. Most of the posts that discuss drug use include information on the consequences and don't make the drug use sound appealing.
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