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Plurk (http://www.plurk.com)

common sense media says

Twitter-like blogging site with cool design.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Plurk is a free "microblogging" and social networking site that's very similar to Twitter. Users post short updates (called "plurks") to their pages through the Web site, their cell phones, or IM. "Plurkers" (users) can choose from a range of privacy settings and can block other plurkers from viewing their profile or adding them as friends. Users can curse or make sexual comments since there are no filters, but the site offers a helpful guide to plurking safely.

Educational value: The site encourages teens to express themselves creatively.
Positive messages: Plurkers seem a like a friendly bunch so far. The Terms of Service prohibit harassment and other bad behavior, though there's always the potential for hating on social sites. Teens could feel rejected if their friend requests are rejected or ignored, or if they get "unfollowed."
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: There's no language filter. Most users keep it clean, but if teens look hard enough, they can find some sex talk.
Language: Some plurkers (users) curse.
Consumerism: No ads.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Some users plurk about getting drunk.
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What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about what's safe to post and what's not (e.g. "prnts gone, party @ 123 main st tonite!!"), and why it's a good idea for teens to limit plurking to friends only. How do you know if you can trust someone enough to make them a "friend" so they have access to your private information? Families can also discuss what's a reasonable amount of time to spend using Plurk, since it's very easy to get carried away.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Plurk's unique timeline design is a nice touch that makes it both visually appealing and interactive. Users can click on a plurk (which looks sort of like a Facebook status update) and visit the person's page, respond to the post, or find plurks that share a common verb, such as loves, wishes, or thinks. The privacy settings give plurkers a range of options -- they can even keep their profiles completely private, making Plurk more about self-expression than socializing. So far, the Plurk community seems a bit tamer than Twitter's; still, it's best for older teens and adults.
This review was written by Susan Yudt
 
 

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BMPunk
teen, 15 years old
11
 
Better than Twitter
I have used this site since June and I can say that this is definitely better than Twitter. It has a chat function, has many unique layouts, and has the karma (like a level). Basically it's like Twitter with added Instant Messaging and levels.
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