Seventeen (http://www.seventeen.com/)

common sense media says

Fashion, gossip, and sex talk with a hint of advice.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Seventeen.com -- the online companion to the best-selling teen print magazine -- provides a highly interactive forum for young teens. Capitalizing on universal topics that capture the attention of teen girls – boys, clothes, makeup, and gossip – the site offers advice, tips, quizzes, polls, trends, videos, contests, and blogs. It also features an abundance of advertising, coupons, offers, and outside links. Though it does have some useful information related to health and college, it’s mostly comprised of lightweight fluff such as celebrity gossip, makeup trends, finding the perfect prom dress, and the hottest guys in Hollywood. There is frank and honest advice (from experts, editors, and real-life visitors to the site) about serious topics such as how to flirt and kiss, great pick-up lines, and knowing when you’re ready to have sex.

Educational value: Peppered in with the fashion trends and makeup tips is some solid
information about college, internships, and financial aid, but the
website features far more style than substance.
Positive messages: Look past the strong messages about dating, fashion, and shopping, and
there is an underlying theme of finding camaraderie, building strong
friendships, and having a healthy lifestyle above all.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Boy talk – and its counterpart, sex talk – is prevalent. Hooking up,
making out and one’s "hotness" are common points of discussion. A
section called "Sex Quizzes for Teens" features a single quiz that
gauges whether teens are "emotionally ready for sex." The quiz
assessment is thoughtful and gentle and in all cases recommends that
teens talk to a parent or friend and not "rush into things."
Language: Unmoderated Q&A advice forums have the potential for offensive language.
Consumerism: There’s no disguising the advertising here. Pop ups, coupons, giveaways,
featured products, Google ads, and banner ads are everywhere.
Fragrance, fashion, and cosmetic brands – as well as retailers – set
their sights on the highly coveted teen shopper. And, of course, the
website also acts as one large ad for its printed companion magazine.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Privacy & safety: Those with registered profiles can upload their own photo, but screen
names offer anonymity. Users are encouraged to not share personal
information.
There are no parental controls, but no one under 13 is allowed to
register on the site (in order to post questions, comments or photos).
Minors over 13 are encouraged to seek their parents’ permission before
registering.

More on Seventeen

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • How magazines and their online counterparts are both entertaining and sales tools. How does a website draw you in, keep you there and try to convince you to shop? How can you be a savvy Internet user and be smart about the many marketing messages you encounter.
  • Why it’s often easier to seek counsel and advice anonymously. Why is that? And do you trust the responses and advice you find online? Why or why not?
  • How magazines – both in print and online -- often portray girls and women? Why do magazines put super skinny models and celebrities on their covers? How does this imagery make you think about your own body? Do you think magazines would sell as many copies or attract as many website visitors if they showed people who look more like you or your friends?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Teen girls typically begin to pick up Seventeen magazine well before they’re actually 17. This is also probably true of its companion website, which is easily accessible, instantly engaging and bursting with entertaining activities with universal girl appeal. Boy talk, fashion, celebrities, gossip, quizzes and contests will not only draw them in, but keep them riveted for a while. Mixed in with the fluff about beauty products and fashion makeovers are some relationship topics that might be better suited to the older teen, including a “hook-up handbook,” “flirty text message ideas,” and “30 days to making him yours.” There’s no shortage of Q&A. Users over 13 can create a free account in order to post questions or provide advice. Topics run the gamut from “Do boys care about chest size” to “What should I wear to my winter formal." Though advertising is rampant (and often cleverly disguised as contests, fashion finds and featured products), the website masterfully speaks to teens in a relatable voice and touches on the subjects that are top-of-mind for girls. But once they’re here, pulling them away may prove tricky.

Online interaction: Questions posed typically are about topics that teens can easily relate to and cover the basic issues, from dating and sexual relations to fashion and friend troubles. Those who post answers are frequently supportive and encouraging, but because the Q&A forums are unmoderated, there is strong potential for inappropriate language and offensive posts.


This review was written by Conny Coon
 
 

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What parents & educators say

16

Most useful reviews by all members

 
what i wont
i love it when i get what i wont and hate it when you dont get it

luvmacurves
teen, 17 years old
 
It's an amazing thing!!!
love it! i think that this is a good resource for young teen girls. also it is a way you learn about the right things that you should know about your child

JK love
parent of 18 year old
 
LOVE IT
I love seventeen :D

izzybeth
teen, 14 years old
 
i think itz so wierd ya knw alot of parentz can b wierd!!! (: wich SUCKS and they ground u 4 no reason been there Done That

RavenStarr
teen, 15 years old
 
I love it,> i Am 14 years old, and my mom tells me to come on this to learn about life

 
it's great
well you gotta learn it from some where

ateensperspective
teen, 14 years old
 
I think there are lots of good articles but som

LIL MISS T
parent of 17 year old
 
LIL MISS PERFECT
I THIN THEY ARE VERY7 FUN TO HANG OUT WIT THIRE FUNNY

Punkchic
teen, 15 years old
 
Well... talk to your parents first.
Well Seventeen magazine and website is probably for 14 and up or if you have had the talk. I made the mistake of subscribing and have learned some things I really was intended on learning. The fashion section is cool but watchout when you come to the health-sex-fitness section. As a catholic, we do not believe in any sexual things before marriage. In Seventeen, they talk about sex before marriage possibly at age 17 and up. In one issue they said you don't need your parents permission to start the pill, whereas the pill is reffering to birth control. So if you wanna go to seventeen website or read seventeen, skip the sex section or talk to your parents first before reading it. But the fashion tips and makeup is cool!!

MillyMolly
teen, 15 years old
 
Amazing Website of an Amazing Magazine
I love this website. There are fun quizzes, blogs, videos, pictures, games, articles and more. There are articles about sex, but they aren't promoting it, but at the same time they aren't telling you don't do it. They want us to think for ourselves, they give us the pros and cons, toward everything. There are some very encouraging articles of learning to love yourself, they have good role model celebritys that are also featured on the website/magazine. Videos are also there for some good workouts that we could enjoy. There are a lot of ads, but that doesn't annoy me, but it depends on the person. I don't see many swear words on the website, I don't usually notice. Website even has a section for college students.

mads33
teen, 15 years old
 
CRAZY
u guys r crazy im 13 and i come on this website every day.

skull5
teen, 17 years old
 
goin crazy.
i need help!!!!!!!! how does i chat up on here?

shwetha
teen, 18 years old
 
perfect for 16+ but not for preteens

Diana_2033
kid, 13 years old
 
oK
I love it it gives mre great advice even though I dont use the sex and dating advice ever

rinaaa
teen, 16 years old
 
#:)
it's the best! :)

23tia34
teen, 17 years old
 
I think there amazing!

Krissie
teen, 16 years old
 
i want this to be a good thing for my daughter.

auburn97
teen, 14 years old
 
Perfect For Teens
i get on this i guess all the time. they have lots of fun quizzes, tips on how to take care of yourself, games, and more...they do have suggestions about sex, but other than that, a really good website for teen girls

lakeshelby
teen, 16 years old
 

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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