| 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. |
Parents need to know that this social networking site with a conscience has made a big effort to be safe and most interaction seems respectful and positive. Users must be 14 or older to register (using their real birth dates). Profiles can be created by individuals or 501c3 non-profits, government agencies, and schools. Users can report bad language or other abuses, but it's possible to post comments with swear words. Profile photos get screened before they appear on the site.
At THINK.MTV.COM, teens learn about issues that are affecting the world through videos, songs, and PSAs -- frequently posted by MTV VJs and music celebs -- about education, immigration, and other topics. The site also offers ways for teens to get involved (online petitions, a volunteer gig finder, and voter registration link) and ways to connect with one another. User profiles can include photos, videos, messages, and list campaigns and organizations members support. The site's also in the process of creating a reward system, which will add "think" badges to profiles and offer prizes.
At THINK.MTV.COM, teens learn about issues that are affecting the world through videos, songs, and PSAs -- frequently posted by MTV VJs and music celebs -- about education, immigration, and other topics. The site also offers ways for teens to get involved (online petitions, a volunteer gig finder, and voter registration link) and ways to connect with one another. User profiles can include photos and list issues and organizations members support.
Ultimately, Think.MTV.com's upbeat, encouraging tone is inspiring. Even if you don't dig the music channel's programming picks, it's hard to argue with its Internet focus -- empowering teens to spend their online time tackling world issues instead of IMing friends about the latest Britney fashion blunder.
Online interaction: Registered users can start discussions and write blogs oriented around social responsibility and world affairs.
Families can talk about Internet safety with social networking sites. These questions should get the conversation started: What information should you include in your profile? What should you leave out? How do you know if you can trust someone online? What can you do if you feel like someone is bullying you or wants to meet you in person?
| Genre: | Social Networking |
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