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NewzMash (http://www.newzmash.com)

common sense media says

Light news fare steers clear of controversial topics.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this news site is designed for tweens, and as such, does not carry super-heavy topics like war and violence. This might be good news for younger kids, but older teens would need a more serious news site in order to stay fully informed on today's topics.

Educational value: Departments include news, sports, entertainment, science, and health. Each department features timely articles in short, easily-digestible doses. There is also an interactive games area with math and logic puzzles to play.
Positive messages: Kids learn how current events and news stories relate to them and why they should care about things like melting icebergs and giant manta rays.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: The site has no ads.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Privacy & safety:
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on NewzMash

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about why it's important to stay informed about current events. Why should events that occur on the other side of the globe matter to you? How do current events directly impact your life? Can you name a few news stories that directly affected you this year?
  • Families can talk about news outlets. How important is it to know about where you are getting your news? Do certain news outlets, like websites, cable news networks, and newspapers have a certain angle or a certain group they are catering to? Compare how two news outlets differ and how they are the same?
  • Families can talk about the basic practices of good journalism. Should a reporter be objective when telling a news story? What does objective even mean? Can you find examples of objective journalism and examples that aren't?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

NEWZ MASH does a good job of providing timely content to kids (especially those between 7-14)  in a manner that's just right for their age and reading capabilities. There are graphics and videos, but not so much that this site becomes a techno-fest full of distractions from the actual information. The articles are short and to the point and in just ten minutes a visitor can get the scoop on Dancing with the Stars, melting icebergs, the World Cup, and new fossil findings.

What they won't get is bad news and violent stories typically found on mainstream news sites. Also, Newz Mash's reporting can be clumsy, as in this line from an article on the history of Thanksgiving: "Historians (experts in their understanding of history) believe that the pilgrims first landed at Provincetown (not Plymouth). Still, people can still visit Plymouth Rock. There is actually a rock." But the site is saved by its variety of news stories along with some off-beat fun and educational content like the "Picture of the Day" feature and interactive mind games.

This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

vrozzi
adult
8
 
Love it! The articles are high-interest and focus on news without relying on the sensationalism present in many news stories in the mainstream media. Category tabs at the top of the page make it very easy to navigate. Excellent quality all the way around.
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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