TweenWorld (http://tweenworld.net)

common sense media says

Breadth, not depth, makes safe tween site fun, for a while.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this good-intentioned informational site for tweens is safe to visit but might not hold kids' interest. The various "worlds" inside the site -- 16 in all including music, games, books, crafts, and health -- are an ambitious start and do impart some helpful tips. However, content is pretty lightweight overall and the site could use a redesign including a spellcheck.

Educational value: The site is a light mix of YouTube movie and game trailers and short, peppy articles. Some of the advice could be better thought out. For instance, rather than educate tweens of both sexes about healthy weights and foods, kids are told to cut down on French fries and tween girls are encouraged to form their own supportive "weigh (sic) watcher" groups. The most educational part of the site is the Amazon store, where kids can download free eBook classics such as Treasure Island. The oddest content: a tribute page to Michael Jackson with praise for his "God-given" talent.
  
Positive messages: The site encourage wholesome activities such as exercising, reading, planning parties, and taking proper care of pets.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: An Amazon-powered storefront tucked away in a menu at the bottom of the page offers a nice selection of kid-safe DVDs, music, electronics, books and video games.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Privacy & safety: Kids are not required to register or divulge personal information. Site policy is to screen all submissions before posting and not to publish more than a child's first name, first initial of last name, state, and age or grade.  All links leading to other sites have been checked for safety and suitability.

More on TweenWorld

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can use any part of TweenWorld as a jumping off point for a more robust discussion. For instance, how can tweens contribute to their community? What special talents do they possess that would make them an "extreme tween," a kid that sets himself apart in a positive way?
  • TweenWorld encourages kids to choose healthy menu items at McDonald’s and Burger King. Discuss how kids can eat more healthily by avoiding those establishments altogether.   Read our advice on junk food chains that hawk "healthy foods."

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
With 16 different areas to explore from food to book reviews, TweenWorld lays the groundwork for a vibrant tween hangout.  However, this site, launched May 2009, has a long way to go before achieving its goal of becoming "the ultimate online resource for tweens." Cluttered graphics, misspelled words, and content limited to a few cute stories and YouTube videos with no way for users to interact leaves this "tween world" underpopulated and not quite ready for prime time.

Online interaction: Tween2Tween, a section where kids can "share, discuss, ask questions and get answers about tween life" was not yet working when we visited the site in July 2009.


This review was written by Carla Thornton
 
 

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About our rating system
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