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We're Fed Up (http://www.werefedup.com)

common sense media says

Teen-created health site takes aim at food marketing.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that We're Fed Up is a supportive and informative social network created by California teens interested in fighting youth obesity. Originally, 40 youth leaders began the site, and now hundreds form a growing online network with a shared focus: to fight obesity; stand up for healthier, affordable food options; create safe places for outdoor exercise; and generate policy change in communities. A social network with a cause, this site has many of the same features teens look for, including customizable profiles and the ability to invite friends, join groups, post messages, and share content (photos, videos, applications, essays and more). For the most part, content is primarily positive, although some of the profile photos can be a bit suggestive.

Educational value: Teens (and their parents) will find there’s much to learn about healthy choices, obesity, nutrition, and exercise through the links, blogs, and various resources available here.
Positive messages: The overall message from the site creators and its users is resoundingly positive. Personal stories from those who have struggled with weight issues are often inspirational and motivational. The site provides examples of healthy food choices as well as resources and tools that will help users find them.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Because the site has a social networking component, there is potential for offensive language. But we didn't see any.
Consumerism: There is no third-party advertising on this site. There are, however, many restaurant and fast food brands mentioned and visible here, though they are mostly used to illustrate bad examples of food choices and marketing.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Privacy & safety: The site states that it is not for anyone under the age of 13. Registration requires an email address, name and birth date, and registered users get profile pages where they can post a picture and personal information. There are strong privacy settings that users can control, but young users should be monitored regularly and always follow guidelines for safe social networking. There are no parental controls.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on We're Fed Up

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • Families can talk about the effect that food marketers have on kids. How do advertisers try to get kids to convince their parents to buy fast food, candy, snacks, and pop? What things can parents and kids do to try to tune out the junk food ads?

  • Talk about how a group of motivated, concerned youths can enact change and provide education through their Web site. What other media can kids use to try to make positive impacts on the world around them? Are there other sites or youth organizations that do this already?

  • How junk food marketers send mixed messages by talking about balanced nutrition -- when their own products aren’t necessarily healthy.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

When the Youth Activism Against Obesity group created WE'RE FED UP, their mission was to fight youth obesity and reveal how untruthful food marketing can really be. We're Fed Up has transcended that initial goal and become many more things: a resource center, sounding board, and support group. Kids who battle weight issues or are interested in healthy eating will discover a growing source for articles, links, videos, and blogs that will keep them motivated and offer tips for staying on track. Better still, they’ll uncover a community of like-minded kids who are willing to offer support, pose thought-provoking questions and work to enact change in their lives and in their communities.

Online interaction: There are forums for users to share their stories, upload pictures and express their opinions on many different topics, though it’s unclear whether there are forum moderators. There’s no easily visible way to flag an inappropriate post, but there is a link on every page that allows teens to easily report any issues.

This review was written by Conny Coon
 
 

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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
Our child development rating guidelines