See more website reviews

Spotzgirl (http://www.spotzgirl.com)

common sense media says

To create these charms you need to buy, buy, buy.

parents & educators say
See 1 review | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this may be a hot place for preteen fun, but it's scant on activities and heavy on product pushes. Even though the company gets girls to use their creativity, it also doesn't want them to miss a single item it's selling. In addition to "craft" projects -- all of which require shelling out for additional Spotz items -- the site features products in a special section and in a tickertape on each page.

Educational value: The site's create-your-own Spotz allows for limited creativity.
Positive messages: The shopaholic nature of the product and the Spotz Girls' focus on looks and popularity can send a mixed message about fun.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: This site is one big sales push. You can't go five seconds without being asked to buy something.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Spotzgirl

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about Web sites pushing their young users to buy things. What are kids learning from sites that constantly offer stuff to purchase? Is it effective or does it turn you off? Families can also discuss the Spotz Girls -- four imaginary users profiled on the site -- who stress popularity and trendiness. Are those the most important things in life? Why or why not? What might be more important?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
At first, Spotzgirl.com seems like a cool creative outlet, but after a few clicks, the site seems less about originality and more about pushing the various Spotz products. All uses listed for Spotz involve purchasing kits to create the featured messenger bags, doorbells, and more. But the rest of the site? It doesn't offer much except the chance to buy more Spotz stuff. Sections like the blog and a room designing game aren't functional yet; and the news section features a paltry single item -- undated -- declaring Spotz are "arriving today" at a store near you.
This review was written by Erin Brereton
 
 

Review It

 

Review Spotzgirl

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

liljason
teen, 16 years old
 
i love it
i love this website
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (2)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you visit Spotzgirl?

Absolutely
Maybe
No way

Already visited it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more websites
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