 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Snopes
Common Sense Media says
Gruesome tales abound on this debunker of urban myths.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that while this site is the authority on debunking urban myths, its content is not appropriate for kids. In fact the site asserts that it's for adults: "Urban legends are expressions of adult fears and concerns and, as such, often convey those messages via stories that are unsuitable for children." But since children might be tempted to verify urban myths, too, we recommend supervision with this site.
What kids can learn
Teens can learn about truths and falsehoods behind common and outlandish urban legends, folklore, myths, and rumors. Just the idea behind the site conveys to teens the value of investigation and critical thinking. Did you know that flour and egg whites aren't an adequate treatment for burns? Myths about Coca-Cola, Internet scams, deadly animals, and more are put into question, and articles are linked to citations. More info about the investigative process would boost this myth-busting site.
Skills
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Creativity
- Emotional Development
- Health & Fitness
- Responsibility & Ethics
- Self-Direction
- Tech Skills
- Thinking & Reasoninginvestigation, thinking critically
What's it about?
If you're wondering about the verity of the latest Internet scare or computer virus, Snopes has likely sorted the facts from the fiction. As one of the foremost sites on the Internet for checking out urban legends and other e-truths or lies, Snopes takes pride in uncovering the reality behind stories circulating around the news and Internet. The site uses a rating system to indicate truth, falsehood, part true, part false, or undetermined. Thousands of stories are categorized by general subject -- everything from "freakish fatalities" (odd ways to go) to "drug horrors" to "gruesome finds of corpses and assorted body parts."
Is it any good?
Helpful as it is, Snopes is not a site that kids should be visiting unsupervised. While some of the stories have a ghost-story like quality, many are sexual, gory, crime-related, or very, very strange and may be upsetting for young kids and teens. If your kids want to verify a story, either preview Snopes first or read it with your child and discuss it.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why some Web sites that your teens might hear about often on the Web or in the media may still not be appropriate for them to browse unknowingly. A lot of the political and pop culture material on this site is informative, but wander off that mainstream path and you might find some images and stories that you wouldn't want to know about.
What kids can learn
Teens can learn about truths and falsehoods behind common and outlandish urban legends, folklore, myths, and rumors. Just the idea behind the site conveys to teens the value of investigation and critical thinking. Did you know that flour and egg whites aren't an adequate treatment for burns? Myths about Coca-Cola, Internet scams, deadly animals, and more are put into question, and articles are linked to citations. More info about the investigative process would boost this myth-busting site.
Subjects
- Arts:
- Hobbies:
- Language & Reading: storytelling
- Math:
- Science:
- Social Studies:
Skills
- Collaboration:
- Communication:
- Creativity:
- Emotional Development:
- Health & Fitness:
- Responsibility & Ethics:
- Self-Direction:
- Tech Skills:
- Thinking & Reasoning: investigation, thinking critically
How kids will learn
Scouring the site is fun -- especially for teens who are naturally curious. Criteria for which myths and legends are addressed are briefly laid out. Still, there are many that seem not widely known. Added information about how the site's myths are investigated and a more friendly user experience would make Snopes more useful.
How parents can help
- Use Snopes as a resource to clarify urban legends, myths, and rumors when kids bring them up.
- Look up popular urban legends and myths and see if there are patterns in how they're told.
- Talk about the importance of using several trustworthy sources to validate information.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
missed launguige
i tiped in th word f-k and their was an erban legend called what the f-k
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
great laughs, lots of information.
It has all the things adults like to read about and see! I feel it is very inappropiate for children, especially children 13 and under! no way! Not good at all!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
As a young adult myself, it wasn't that long ago when I was reading these stories as an adolescent, and while some may think the content is a little objectionable, it is nothing your kid hasn't seen before.
I would say that a mature 12 year old should have no trouble here. It is really up to you to decide what is appropriate for your child.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Wonderful site, but maybe not for young kids.
I absolutely love this site. It is so interesting and educational, and best of all, all of its content is researched and verified so you know that what you're reading is true. I wish more people knew about Snopes so they would stop ignorantly spreading untrue urban legends. However, I can't recommend Snopes for kids, because it does have a "Risque" and a "Horror" section and some of its stories can contain mature content. I think this is a great site for older teens, or maybe for older kids with adult supervision.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Really Cool Website
Although it is "educational", it is sort of inappropriate.
Their are categories such as risque business.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
good website just dont click on horror or risque because it can make you get computer virus!!!
cool website. my brother goes on this once in a while. Kids can go on this but parents should just tell them not to click on horror or risque because it isnt appropriate for them to look at.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Good site to know about
This is an important site for anybody who gets emails forwarded to them with dire warnings of headlight flashing, exploding pop bottles or even how forwarding and email from Bill Gates can save poor kids in Africa.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Great site, but not for younger kids
I've visited this site MANY times and it's a great website. It does have some rumors on there that have some mature content, but nothing too bad for kids 12+. Also, it has a positive message about sticking to the facts when it comes to rumors and legends. Learning potential: Kids will learn a little about how rumors get started and how to find out if their true or not, but the site's mostly for entertainment. Violence: Some rumors about violent/scary topics (Ex. One rumor says that two girls who were murdered skin and hang their parents for not telling their son (who was born after the girls' deaths) about them). One section in the "fauxography" portion of the site is labeled "Gallery Of Gruesome" which showcases pictures of horrific injuries. There's even a warning that states that some pictures might disturb sensitive viewers. But most articles on the site aren't too horrific. Sex: Some rumors are about sexual topics. One article about the rumor that a scene in the movie "The Rescuers" showing a brief picture of a naked woman shows the scene without censoring the nudity. But there's nothing very graphic that I've seen. Language: Some profanity, but not a lot. Consumerism: Mentioning of movies, actors, singers, authors, books, and other people, places, and things.
Drinking: Some articles deal with rumors about incidents involving drinking or drug use, like a rumor about a babysitter who, high of LSD, cooks a baby thinking it was a turkey.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Genre: | Educational |
Contact us to give us more feedback on our learning ratings.
Review It
Tell us what you think about our new Learning Ratings. We value your feedback.
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already visited it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
