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PopAwesome (http://www.popawesome.com)

common sense media says

Mediocre entertainment blog needs privacy upgrade.

parents & educators say
See 2 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this entertainment blog doesn't have a privacy policy or terms of use -- which is a problem, because it allows users to enter contests by submitting their name and email address. Also, it doesn't seem to block users under 13 from submitting this info. Content-wise, the posts and comments are generally tame, but there's a section of music videos from YouTube that contains some offerings with strong language, sexual content, and negative messages. Some of the links to "Awesome Friends" sites aren't great either (like PerezHilton).

Educational value: Not applicable.
Positive messages: Posts are sometimes snarky but rarely mean-spirited. The site mixes straightforward entertainment coverage with celebrity gossip. Some of the music videos depict antisocial behavior.
Violence: 50 Cent's "OK, You're Right" video depicts a gun-filled showdown between police and some pretty scary clowns. One post features "Cut," a disturbing short film starring Keira Knightley that promotes awareness of domestic violence.
Sex: No nudity; occasional "sexy" photos of celebs like Megan Fox, as well as sexualized lyrics and images in music videos. Discussions of infidelity regarding Jon and Kate Gosselin.
Language: Most users don't curse at all, but a handful of comments contained "f--k," "s--t," and milder phrases like "screw them." Some of the music videos contain explicit language.
Consumerism: Viewers can enter contests to win prizes like iPods or movie soundtracks. There are a few banner ads, mostly for entertainment-related products. Posts frequently mention products.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: The posts don't promote debauchery, but the Paradiso Girls video "Patron Tequila" --  which is in rotation on the homepage -- celebrates drunkenness and mentions "bud" (marijuana).
Privacy & safety: There's no privacy policy or terms of use posted on the site. Users can enter contests by providing a name and email address. There's a box to check off whether you're over or under 13, but the site doesn't seem to reject submissions from younger users.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on PopAwesome

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about Internet safety and why it's important to exercise caution when submitting your email address to a Web site. Parents can warn their kids about unwanted spam and sites that share email addresses with third parties. How can you find out what a site does with the addresses it collects?
  • Families can talk about the music videos featured on this site. Do you pay attention to a song's lyrics and message? Why or why not? Check out our advice on racy music to get the discussion started.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Run by webmasters Jamie and Melissa, PopAwesome has the vibe of an amateur fan blog, rather than a polished entertainment site. There’s not much here that gossip hounds can’t get somewhere else in a slicker package with more interactivity. On the other hand, some young teens might enjoy the DIY feel and unusual interview questions. (Did you know that Brooke Hogan’s best recipe is baked chicken?) Most of the music coverage focuses on tween faves like Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato -- an odd juxtaposition with the more “mature” music videos featured on the home page from artists like 50 Cent.

Online interaction: Users can post comments -- text only -- and most are positive and clean. However, there's no policy on comments and some contain profanity or negativity.

This review was written by Susan Yudt
 
 

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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