Blogger
Common Sense says
Parents say
Kids say
A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this website.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this Google-owned site is a personal online diary of thoughts and pictures where users have the option of letting public readers add comments. In order to restrict access to blogs with sexual material, parents can turn on SafeSearch filtering with the Google search tool. However, violent and otherwise iffy content (drugs, drinking, swearing) isn't blocked, and if kids choose to "publish a site feed," i.e. open up their blog to public comment, there's the chance that comments could be unfriendly.
Wondering if Blogger is OK for your kids?
Set preferences and get age-appropriate recommendations with Common Sense Media Plus. Join now
Stay up to date on new reviews.
User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
13+ if not on the public web
Mostly Appropriate- Some Mature Content
What's it about?
BLOGGER.COM is part of the Google family, sharing a simple interface and easy-to-use tools like the Google search engine most kids are familiar with. Kids can post thoughts as an online diary, share or log special interests, or start a group blog with friends and family.
Is it any good?
Publishing at Blogger.com is free and very simple with design templates, drag-and-drop page-building features, and easy-to-follow help resources. Searching other blogs is also a simple process, but it can be a jungle out there without turning on the Google SafeSearch feature. People write about everything -- and anything -- at Blogger.com, and like many online communities, there are a lot of blogs that are not kid material.
If the SafeSearch filter is turned on with Google, Blogger.com is a great place for kids to create, express themselves, and share ideas with others. It can also be a great way to manage photo albums and mobile phone pictures all in one place.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about what type of blog their kids might be interested in starting. Would it take the form of a diary, follow a special interest, or be a part of a family or group blog?
Families can also discuss what's appropriate to say in a public blog. Read our Internet safety tips for high schoolers for talking points.
Website details
- Subjects: Language & Reading: presenting to others, reading, writing
- Skills: Tech Skills: digital creation, social media, using and applying technology
Communication: conveying messages effectively, multiple forms of expression, presenting
Creativity: producing new content - Genre: Blogging
- Pricing structure: Free
- Last updated: June 20, 2019
For kids who love to share
Our editors recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.