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Stay Teen (http://stayteen.org)

common sense media says

Nonpartisan info for teens on avoiding pregnancy.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this nicely done educational site is sponsored by the nonprofit organization National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. The nonpartisan, secular advice is sensible and straightforward. To help spread the message that abstinence is cool, the site features videos for teens made by teens enjoying their high school years without the complications of young parenthood. Just beware that a few young visitors have used the site to leave glowing comments about teen motherhood and post photos of themselves with their babies.

Educational value: Lots of vital info and good advice awaits teens with questions about sex and dating. The site is full of tips, articles, stats, resources, and myth-busters sure to open a few young eyes about teen pregnancy. Sex facts kids need to know are sprinkled throughout: "You can get pregnant every time you have sex, including the first time." Though not the focus, contraception is covered, too. The opportunity given teens to submit their own videos promoting abstinence, surveys of what other teens think about sex, and articles written by teens makes the site feel inclusive, not simply an adult rant. 
Positive messages: By using excellent writing, compelling pregnancy statistics, and teens’ own voices this site successfully drives home the message that it’s OK to be a virgin. Without preaching or blaming, it offers all the right reasons why kids should "stay teen" -- carefree and unencumbered by early parenthood -- until adulthood.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Somewhat confusingly, the site refers to the videos that teens can create and upload as "ads," we assume because they can be considered promotions for sexual responsibility. The site actually is advertisement free except for two banners for educational TV programs about teen pregnancy.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Privacy & safety: There are no site moderators or filters. However, teens can use the site without identifying themselves or sharing any personal information, and the site will remove posted videos or comments at the request of the owner.    There are no parental controls.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Stay Teen

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • Families can use this site as a springboard to open up the lines of communication. Do teens feel comfortable asking about sex and relationships?  If not, why not? How can parents make it easier to talk about these important topics so kids make wise choices? (Read our advice in Talking to Kids About Premarital Sex.)

  • Discuss whether, as some teens on this site claim, there are any positive aspects to becoming a teen parent. How do the negative parts outweigh the positive?  How can teens respect others' choices without making the same mistakes?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

With its hip black-and-white Obamaesque design and fresh voice, Stay Teen is able to teach valuable lessons about teen pregnancy without coming off as stodgy or didactic. The teen-friendly, expertly written content covers everything from dating violence to contraception while providing light-hearted moments in the form of teen-created videos celebrating life, all under the umbrella of sexual responsibility. Not an easy thing to do but this site pulls it off nicely.

Online interaction: This site is primarily an educational tool, not a place for kids to network. Teens can upload and leave comments about videos, and they can "friend" the site in order to get updates at MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and Think MTV. The Youth Online Network mailing list announces contests and sends notifications when TV shows or magazines cover teen pregnancy. However, there are no chat, message board, or email tools. Comments on the site so far are sparse, and most of these are long, off-topic posts from girls either dealing with pregnancy scares or expressing satisfaction with being a teen mother.

This review was written by Carla Thornton
 
 

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mrs.july 09
teen, 15 years old
13
 
it's just for teens not little kids
it's hard to be a teen you want to no why it sucks
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PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
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