Girls' Life
By Conny Coon,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Mag site smartly tackles teen girls' interests and issues.

A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this website.
Community Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
SO GREAT!
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Great for tweens/teens, with some iffy content!
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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?
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
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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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