A Thin Line (http://www.athinline.org/)

common sense media says

Cool, effective tips on teen online responsibility from MTV.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is an important site for tweens and teens to visit because it addresses some of the most common digital dangers. And because the site was designed by MTV, it's edgy and trendy, which means kids might listen to the advice. The real-life stories should definitely make an impact on teens who need to be clearly presented with the possible consequences of online actions.

Educational value: Plenty of resources are listed for help with various cyber concerns and there are also practical tips that can help online users avoid bad situations online.
Positive messages: Teens are told straight up that cyberbullying is dangerous and sexting could be illegal. There aren't many gray areas for teens, who are given down-to-earth advice from this site.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: There is some sexual discussion, but nothing very graphic. The conversations are entirely about pressures teens face in terms of sexting and what can be done to solve bad situations.
Language: Some expletives are used to illustrate a point, but these words are concealed.
Consumerism: There are ads that appear at the top of each page for products like candy and energy drinks, which also open to a full window when scrolled over.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Privacy & safety: Not applicable.

More on A Thin Line

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about sexting. What does it mean and what are the ground rules for what you should never do with a cell phone? What should you do if a friend sends you inappropriate content via a phone? What should you say if someone asks you to send a picture or content you don't feel comfortable with?

  • Families can talk about cyberbullying. What can you do to be a forced to stop cyberbullying? If you read or receive a cruel message what do you do? Why is it important to let friends know it's not okay to taunt and tease someone online?

  • Families can talk about text messaging rules. How many texts are too many? Does your family have times when texting is off limits? Can texting become a tool for controling someone in a relationship? What should you do if someone is texting you too much?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

A THIN LINE is a great introduction into the world of digital responsibility, covering everything from the dangers of sexting to how to combat cyberbullying and text harassment. With the classic hip MTV tone,  the site shouldn't turn teens off. It's not overly preachy, but lays out the facts and true life horror stories to get the message across. The site though does stumble when it veers into social issues, like controlling relationships, rather than sticking to strictly techno issues, and it ignores the issue of teens meeting strangers online and video chatting. The quiz page is at least worth a spin and should give families a clear understanding of where they are at with their digital diligence.


This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

HTFMime
teen, 16 years old
 
Great site! Very educational and fun.


kid, 12 years old
 
As seen on MTV2!
A 12-year-old person like me will get in handy with this website. I'll try to go on Facebook soon.


teen, 14 years old
 
As seen on MTV2!
A 12-year-old person like me will get in handy with this website. I'll try to go on Facebook soon.


kid, 11 years old
 
As seen on MTV2!
A 12-year-old person like me will get in handy with this website. I'll try to go on Facebook soon.

leapoffaith
teen, 14 years old
 
Great site! Very educational... definitely something EVERY teen needs to see.

di_fa
parent of 14 year old
 

Cooldee
parent
 
A Thin Line is great! Do not cyberbully!
Here is a lesson to be learned: Do not sent anything sexual anywhere!

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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