 | 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. |
TeensinTech
Common Sense Media says
Technology how-to site for teens has potential.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that teens can include some personal information -- an email address, instant message name, and personal URL -- in their site profile, a link to which will appear in any posts they make to the message boards. Users need to register once to get a blog and again if they want to chat with other members on the message boards. When starting a blog, teens can opt to have their blog appear in search engines like Google and Technorati. The forums are pretty clean; almost all of the posts revolve around tech issues. Users are told not to post anything obscene or offensive and are encouraged to report any violations. There are, however, two boards that aren't moderated.
What's it about?
Founded in February 2008, TEENSINTECH.COM is designed to get more teens to produce and distribute online content. To help them out, the site offers blogs and message boards where administrators and other users can answer tech questions or offer product reviews. The TeensinTech.com support team will also answer questions via email.
Is it any good?
TeensinTech.com has the potential to be a hit with tech-obsessed teens. The information on the site, such as instructions for creating a Web browser, is written in teen-friendly, conversational language. The message boards present the chance to chat about software and gadgets, and the site administrators could potentially be a great resource.
But the site is still new, and its audience and content are in the early stages of development. Some links and functions don't work, and message board activity is low. Although some sections have more than 100 views, many have only a few posts. Still, TeensinTech.com seems primed to offer a lot of learning and fun.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why you might not want to include information like your instant message ID or personal Web site address in a site profile. How would that let people contact you? Why does giving someone a way to IM you put your security at risk?
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