See more website reviews

MyDebates (http://www.myspace.com/mydebates)

common sense media says

MySpace gets users involved in the 2008 election.

parents & educators say
  • 33% say it's educational
See all 3 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this site -- a one-stop shop for the 2008 presidential election -- is part of MySpace.com and therefore best for older teens and up. Not all forum discussions pass the civil discourse test, but such is life both on and off the Internet when politics are involved. You don't need to be a member of MySpace to use most of the features on this site -- like watching the debates, registering to vote, and reading about the issues -- but you do have to join to post comments on the forums.

Educational value: The site's "Issues" section has an interactive quiz and printable scorecard that allows voters to see which candidate they most agree with on a variety of subjects. Icons used in this section are also highlighted on screen during live debates to alert users about which issue the candidates are discussing.
Positive messages: Encourages teens and college students to watch the presidential debates, dig into the issues, register to vote, and get politically active. Some comments on the forum clearly don't pass the civil discourse test, but overall this site promotes good social and political interaction.
Violence: Debates and forum discussions sometimes raise issues like war, gun control, and terrorism, but no actual violence is shown.
Sex: As on MySpace.com, content depends largely on individual users' posts. Some users' forum photos are moderately sexually suggestive.
Language: While (so far) most comments on the forum appear remarkably respectful, some people post rude comments that include words like "crap" and "hell."
Consumerism: Ads for mainstream business like Foot Locker and Google. Political candidates' promos. Links to other MySpace sites that include ads.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Debates and forums may discuss the drug trade and related issues in a political context.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on MyDebates

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about why it's important to get information about political candidates from a variety of sources. Why is it important to watch candidates debate? Why should you check the "facts" that people post on the forum with another source? What sources should you use? Talk about why voters should always look at political information with a critical eye. If your teen isn't old enough to vote, discuss other ways to be politically involved.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
This comprehensive, easy-to-use site will likely motivate many teens and college students to get involved in this year's presidential election who might otherwise never have tuned into a debate or read about the issues. It's hard to keep political discourse civil in a relatively anonymous Internet setting, but overall MyDebates.com is a good place to get a sense of what other people are thinking and voice your own opinions.
This review was written by Dana Villamagna
 
 

Review It

 

Review MyDebates

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

What parents & educators say

11
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 33% say it's educational
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

Asiakingtravel
adult
10
 
csm7.test
csm7.test
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (8) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (7)
wallaceson
adult
14
 
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (6) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (8)
amandaallheart608
adult
9
 
come on now my kids can wach this
weiard because if fell like it
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (6) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (4)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you visit MyDebates?

Absolutely
Maybe
No way

Already visited it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more websites
About our rating system
ON: Content is 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
Our child development rating guidelines