Parents' Guide to

Girls' Life

By Conny Coon, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Mag site smartly tackles teen girls' interests and issues.

Website http://www.girlslife.com/
Girls' Life Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this website.

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age 12+

Based on 3 parent reviews

MomsChoice
MomsChoice Adult
November 11, 2020
age 10+

SO GREAT!

this is a very good subscription! I bought it for my ten year old and she loved it. She read it and she liked it very much. In it you can explore the new events that concern ten year old girls like, some pop star making a new song and stuff like that. I don't want people to think that they should not get this.

This title has:

Great messages
1 person found this helpful.
B H.
B H. Parent of 3, 11 and 13-year-old
November 26, 2016
age 12+

Great for tweens/teens, with some iffy content!

I couldn't find the actual magazine on here, so I'm just reviewing it on the website's page. First of all, some of the articles on the website are not actually published in the magazine. The website is actually geared more towards older girls. The magazine, however, I found was a great fit for my 13-year-old daughter! It was really hard to find a magazine that she liked but was also appropriate. She just started growing out of American Girl and Discovery Girls, and wasn't yet ready for Teen Vogue. I found Girls' Life a little iffy, but it was fine and really helped my daughter go through her tween years and become a teen. At first I was a little concerned that she was reading articles about beauty focuses, dating, sexuality, etc, but then realized that, sad as it is, she is facing all of these issues at age 13! When I was a kid, we didn't need to worry about this kind of stuff at such a young age, but she does. She's already gone through dating relationships, friend drama, and stalkery boys wanting to have sex with her. I realized that, even though I hated it, an article about unprotected sex was good for her. It taught her everything she needed to know without making her too uncomfortable. Afterwards, once she'd had a good handle on it, she came to me with questions and we talked about it. This magazine made her a little less scared to talk to me about important subjects, and that's something every mom would want. As far as the fashion, makeup, and celebrity aspects: those are some things that my daughter is interested in! She loves sitting down and cutting out all the cute fashions for her bulletin board, trying out makeup combinations with my makeup kit, and reading about Ross Lynch! I get that some girls might not be into that sort of thing, and that some parents might not like it, but in that case, don't buy it, it isn't right for you. Me and my daughter have covered a lot of ground and found peace with this magazine, so I'm happy. I love that it's helping her come into her own as a responsible, unique, fashionable, sweet individual, no matter her age!

This title has:

Great messages
Too much sex
See all 3 parent reviews

What’s It About?

Like its companion print magazine (Girls' Life), this site contains a variety of information, blogs, and advice for girls aged 10-15. Competent advice comes courtesy of the magazine editors and other users of the site, who are mostly respectful and supportive. Topics range from serious to light, touching on friendship, school, health, and boys, as well as beauty, entertainment, sports, and hobbies. It's an encouraging, respectful place to get straightforward, smart advice from adults and peers and offers useful tools to apply along the way.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (35 ):

It's not always easy for teen girls to find a neutral place to voice their concerns and ask questions about topics that are tough to tackle. At GIRLSLIFE.COM, a talented team offers simple, smart advice that speaks to teens in a casual, supportive tone that sounds strikingly like it's coming from a peer. Among the blogs, articles, and answers to posted questions is encouraging, empowering advice that takes girls seriously -- but also treads cautiously. Subjects range from "My Mom Won't Let Me Have a Boyfriend" to "I Hate My Curly Hair" to "My Twin Sister Is Pregnant." A special "Help Page" guides users to professional resources if they (or a friend) are dealing with a dangerous issue such as abuse, eating disorders, self-inflicted injuries, or drinking and drugs. Of course, there's plenty of lighter fare to be found. Beauty, fashion, and entertainment are a big part of the content, and there are ample polls, quizzes, and giveaway. But teens will discover that the best part of GirlsLife.com is finding they aren't alone, odd, or unusual -- there are many girls leading a life just like theirs.

Online interaction: Users are invited to post questions about whatever's troubling them. Advice from the columnists and experts are useful, respectful, and mature. Other users may comment and offer their own advice, which mostly appears to be positive and encouraging. Some users do, however, post self-promotional comments that invite girls to read their own personal blogs or post questions to them directly.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how it's often easier to seek counsel and advice anonymously. Why is that? Are there certain issues that teens should always bring to a trusted adult? What are those? And who are those trusted adults?

  • Talk about how magazines often portray girls and women. Why do magazines put super skinny models and celebrities on their covers? How does this imagery make you think about your own body?

  • Talk about how the Internet can be a positive source for information and advice about growing up. What should you be cautious about sharing over the Internet? How can teens keep themselves safe online?

Website Details

  • Genre: Brand Sites
  • Pricing structure: Free
  • Last updated: November 5, 2015

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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