 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
MyCyc
Common Sense Media says
Teens voice their angst -- and offer support to others.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
What's it about?
The tagline for MYCYC.COM is "where your thoughts are set free." The site lets teens blog about anything and everything, as well as offer each other advice in the discussion forums. There is a registration process in order to blog, but no personal contact information is revealed in a user's profile. Users can add a picture of themselves if they wish. Many teens use this site as a virtual confessional and because they can
remain anonymous, they have the ability to discuss very private things like
self-injury and suicidal thoughts. Although there isn't much explicit sexual talk, the site, which
consists primarily of females, shows teens taking their romantic
relationships very seriously.
Is it any good?
For teens looking for a place to purge their emotions, vent about dating, and share their writing with an online teen audience, MyCyc.com offers a welcoming forum. Although this site is still in its infancy, and user-submitted content isn't as voluminous as it is on other teen sites, MyCyc.com does give teens a place to blog without the upkeep and pressure associated with some social networking circles. With comments like "I hate myself, all I want is to be skinny and be able to get a boyfriend" this is also a good place for parents to get a glimpse into the psychological world of teens.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why teens feel the need to post blogs about very personal information. Do you think it helps someone to reveal depression, bad relationships, heartbreak and agony to online readers? Do you think it helps teens to read that other teens are going through tough times? Why aren't there more light-hearted topics? After reading some of the blogs on this site, do you think the media accurately portrays what teen life is like?
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- Parents
- Teens & kids
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