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Snopes (http://www.snopes.com)

common sense media says

Gruesome tales abound on this debunker of urban myths.

parents & educators say
  • 60% say it's educational
  • 40% say sexual content is an issue
See all 7 reviews | Review it

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.

Educational value: What kids may learn negatively from this site, including some anxiety provoking stories and graphic images, outweigh the benefits they may get from learning about which stories are true or false.
Positive messages: On the upside, the site's effectiveness of separating the fact from fiction in online stories may be a useful tool for adults. But there's also a significant amount of gory, sexual, and generally not child appropriates stories (true and not), images, and information.
Violence: Stories listed under the Crime and Horror sections include graphic details about violence of all kinds, including stories of cannibilism and "murdering
madmen."
Sex: Stories listed under certain categories including "Risque Business" and even "Disney" include topics like "penile pranks," "bestiality," and even photos of an image of a bare breasted woman hidden in the '70s version of Disney's movie The Rescuers.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: This is an ad-supported site, and there are a lot of Google AdSense ads, as well as banner ads for major corporations like AT&T.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Some stories may include information about drugs, alcohol or tobacco. For example, one story verifies reports of teens dying due to "huffing."
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Snopes

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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.

Is it any good?

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.
This review was written by Dana Villamagna
 
 

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What parents & educators say

14
Based on 5 parent & educator reviews:
  • 60% say it's educational
  • 40% say sexual content is an issue
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

LINDSEY76
parent of 4 year old
17
 
missed launguige
i tiped in th word f-k and their was an erban legend called what the f-k
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (6) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)
Tank12
teen, 15 years old
17
 
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!
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (4) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (5)
princesskitten
adult
17
 
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.
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)
C4turdayz
adult
13
 
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.
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (1)
chibichan
adult
11
 
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.
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (2)
adjaja
teen, 15 years old
13
 
Really Cool Website
Although it is "educational", it is sort of inappropriate. Their are categories such as risque business.
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
Ensorceled
adult
12
 
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.
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (1)

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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