Sprout Online (http://www.sproutonline.com/)

common sense media says

Videos, activities for preschool fans of TV channel's shows.

parents & educators say

43% say there are positive messages
43% say it's educational

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Sprout Online is an extension of the PBS Kids Sprout cable channel for preschoolers. Most of the content comes directly from the channel's popular shows, including the videos, but you can upload your own photos and videos here, too. The site is fun and visually notable so that kids won't mind seeing the same stuff online. The games are straightforward enough for most preschoolers to play unassisted after an adult reads the directions to them (though we still recommend sitting with preschoolers at the computer), and there are lots of printables and offline activity ideas like recipes and birthday party ideas.

Educational value: There is a lot of educational content that goes beyond academics -- like practicing sign language, thinking about healthy food choices, and learning about sea life.

Positive messages: In the games, activities, and videos there are positive messages about the importance of family, developing a love of learning, and healthy eating. Also, there's lots of activities here to print out and color or create by hand, sending the message to kids that they can have just as much fun offline.

Violence: Not applicable.

Sex: Not applicable.

Language: Not applicable.

Consumerism: The site runs ads and promotes PBS shows and characters -- many of which, like Bob the Builder, have become pretty commercialized.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

Privacy & safety: To register on this site, parents must provide their own date of birth, full name, email, and full mailing address. There are two boxes to uncheck if you don't want to receive email and snail mail from PBS Sprout and their advertising partners. If you sign up for your child's birthday email it "may be announced during Sprout television programming or on SproutOnline.com and you may receive a birthday message to share with your child via email, this website, or postal mail." Your child’s first name and birth date information that you provide on the registration page will not be shared with third parties for any other purpose. Parents can create a password protected area for their kids' artwork created on the site that only they can see, choose whether or not they want their child's birthday to be recognized publicly, and add people to their contacts list to allow communication with them via Sprout Mail.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about setting computer time limits so kids, especially in the preschool years, don't spend too much time online.
Families can talk about Internet safety so even the youngest kids start becoming aware of good online behavior.

Is it any good?

SPROUT ONLINE's content is entertaining and fairly well done for the preschool set. As the companion website to the 24-hour cable channel PBS Kids Sprout (dedicated to preschool kids ages 2-5), young kids will find many of their favorite Sprout characters on this site. But the real stars are the crew from the Good Night Show, as well as old standards like Barney, Bob the Builder, and Thomas the Train. Most of the site's video content is recycled directly from the channel's popular shows. The games section offers simple, age-appropriate activities from almost all of Sprout's shows. Some of the games link off to other sites (often to PBSKids.org), and most require a bit of reading to get started.

Online interaction: Sprout "Mail" allows you to send and receive messages from people that you put on your family’s contact list.

This review was written by Dana Villamagna

Review It

What parents & educators say

Based on 30 parent & educator reviews:

43% say there are positive messages
43% say it's educational

Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

sproutgril
kid, 11 years old

sprout is awsome

i love this website it is raelly fun to watsh it my favorite show is callu

What other families should know

Sprout Online (http://www.sproutonline.com/)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on Sprout Online

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Review It

Review Sprout Online

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

sprout is awsome

GGGGGGGGGGGGreat

sprout channel is wonderful for all ages

wonderful shows

great

great for the pre-school children..

Obviously fine

Night routine

NOT FOR PEOPLE WHO IS NOT A MIDDLE SCHOOL KID OR ANY OLDER.

great for kids

Kids are happy to see sprout

common sense media please look at it more carfully

emily is so nice

perfect for children ages 2 and older

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