Handpicked by Our Editors

The Mouse Club
4

The Mouse Club

Why We Recommend It

Imaginative, colorful, and fun, kids can log on to read, count, match, and have fun learning computer skills.

Read our full review
Are social networks OK for my preteens?

It's natural for tweens to separate into groups and social cliques. But now their groups extend to online worlds, social networks, and kids' websites with social features. Because kids can communicate anonymously, they can say cruel things to and about each other.

A good place to start: Before they go online, make sure you share tips on how to behave responsibly in an online social world. Make sure they understand that there are no secrets on the Internet and that whatever they post can be seen by people they don't expect and last forever.

Web Site Reviews

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New Web Site Reviews for Preteens (ages 9-11)

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BAM! Body and Mind
Parents Need to Know...

that this government-run site is commercial free and doesn't accept any advertising. The site covers all the health advice that parents are always trying to impart to kids, like the importance of hand-washing before eating, but in a ... read more

BAM! Body and Mind
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Howcast
Parents Need to Know...

that most of the videos on this excellent how-to site are kid-friendly, but some cater to adults. The Sex & Relationships section contains hundreds of videos alone. Even the teen section features sex advice some parents might find ... read more

Howcast
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Make It Ruby
Parents Need to Know...

that this simple DIY site offers a small sampling of creative crafts that tween girls will enjoy doing at home. Its back-to-basics philosophy encourages kids to find items around their homes and “reuse, renew and repurpose.” Ruby -- ... read more

Make It Ruby
3
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In the Fab Lane
Parents Need to Know...

that this tween lifestyle magazine combines celeb gossip, fashion advice, and social networking in a seemingly safe package. But although the site is free, much of the content is actually advertising in the disguise of editorial. And ... read more

In the Fab Lane
3
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The Rudiments of Wisdom Cartoon Encyclopedia
Parents Need to Know...

that this educational Web site explains a huge variety of topics through fun and informative comic strips. Artist Tim Hunkin has collected hundreds of these strips, covering everything from acids to zoos. Each one offers a bite-sized, but ... read more

The Rudiments of Wisdom Cartoon Encyclopedia
3
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Afrigadget
Parents Need to Know...

that Afrigadget teaches kids about Africa in a positive way -- as opposed to the war, famine, and tragedy news they can get from the newspaper or on the Internet. The site is updated regularly, so you never know what will turn up. ... read more

Afrigadget
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CreateAskate
Parents Need to Know...

This safe informational site is the home of skateboard manufacturer Paul Schmitt’s nonprofit CreateAskate project, a school program designed to get kids excited about learning. The site offers interesting background info on skateboarding ... read more

CreateAskate
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G.I. Joe
Parents Need to Know...

that although the movie is rated PG-13, this Web site is definitely marketed to a younger audience. There are links throughout the site that lead to product promotion pages, and the games available often take on a violent spin. However, ... read more

G.I. Joe
3
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Get Animated
Parents Need to Know...

that this Web site is a promotion site for the Cartoon Network's national fitness tour known as Get Animated. Besides listing all the tour dates and info surrounding the stops, the site also features a few educational videos and games ... read more

Get Animated
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Questacon
Parents Need to Know...

that this site contains an extensive amount of educational material about science, technology, animals, and more that's based on the touring and permanent exhibits at Australia's National Science and Technology Center. Parents and ... read more

Questacon
4
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Kidgurus
Parents Need to Know...

that this social networking site for tweens looks like it was slapped together quickly in hopes of making a few bucks off advertising. It's too bad because the idea -- networking mixed with plenty of opportunities to be creative -- is ... read more

Kidgurus
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BizKids
Parents Need to Know...

that there is absolutely nothing to worry about with this engaging educational site where kids teach kids about finance and business. The site features a newsletter, a free, downloadable curriculum, a business game, a blog, and links to ... read more

BizKids
4
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Kids Are Heroes
Parents Need to Know...

that this is a fledgling site that could be the start of something big. Created in 2008 by a nine-year-old girl and her dad, this site highlights kids who are using their lives to better their little corner of the planet -- or even the ... read more

Kids Are Heroes
3
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Upper Deck U
Parents Need to Know...

that registration is free, but the site also features an Insider Access paid subscription level that gives you the ability to purchase licensed team- and player-specific merchandise and other extras. You can also become an Insider by ... read more

Upper Deck U
3
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My Tiny Planets
Parents Need to Know...

that this space-themed Web site lets users design their own planet. They earn "star" points by playing games and participating in other activities on the site, and then spend the points to purchase spaceships and a wide variety of ... read more

My Tiny Planets
3
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Scapenation
Parents Need to Know...

Parents need to now this is a commercial site run by the tween clothing chain Justice. Although the site currently doesn't feature any advertising, it is designed to market the retailer and is heavily promoted in Justice advertising. Also ... read more

Scapenation
3
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Free Rice
Parents Need to Know...

that for every correct answer to this site's endless quiz, ten grains of rice are donated to the UN World Food Program. It's addictive, it can spark competitiveness -- "I can donate more rice than you can!", and bragging -- "My vocabulary ... read more

Free Rice
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Tikatok
Parents Need to Know...

that this site includes strong safety measures. Parents have to register -- providing email, home address, and phone number "as a means of verifying parental identity and consent" -- and approve their kids' accounts, and are ... read more

Tikatok
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Yoursphere
Parents Need to Know...

that this site is not free. It costs $4.95 a month or $39.95 a year, per kid. Parents also need to know that despite claims to the contrary, this "safety first" social network is not completely immune to "creepers," ... read more

Yoursphere
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Playnormous
Parents Need to Know...

that this site uses games to teach kids about good nutrition and exercise. Like a tasty meal that's packed with nutritious veggies, this site is disguised to look like simple fun, but is actually loaded with good-for-you information. read more

Playnormous
4
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Uncle Jay Explains: The News
Parents Need to Know...

that the name of this site is a little misleading. While it appears to be a source for simple explanations of complicated news stories, it's actually a sarcastic and snarky skewering of world events. Geared for an older audience, it's ... read more

Uncle Jay Explains: The News
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

About Our Reviews

Common Sense Media's website reviews and ratings for preteens are based on child development principles. We give you trustworthy information so you can pick what's best for your family. We may know media, but you're the expert on your kids.

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