HuffPost Teen
By Erin Brereton,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
News for teens by teens, with access to adult topics.
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Based on 1 parent review
Biased view and overtly sexual.
What’s It About?
As part of the Huffington Post news site, HuffPost Teen centers its coverage -- much of which is written by under-18 contributors -- on topics like getting into college and prom. However, more serious pieces, some of which are personal essay-type blog posts, deal with subjects like avoiding stereotypes and same-sex marriage. The site also features teen fiction and some celeb news coverage. Items generally have a positive tone, and comments are kept pretty clean, thanks to the site’s moderator review system.
Is It Any Good?
HUFFPOST TEEN, a section of the popular contributor-based HuffPo site geared toward high school-age readers, offers updates and advice on everything from navigating college life to making a dress prom-worthy. The content, which includes short articles, essays, and news about young celebs, is often written by teens -- and is right on target with that age group’s interests. Original fiction provided by Figment.com also offers a forum for creative teens.
However, while the content is, for the most part, upbeat and age appropriate, kids can easily stumble onto the main HuffPo site; its central subject areas are listed on the top of each page. If HuffPost Teen had a more separate identity/offered less access to the original site, it might feel like a safer space. But as long as kids can click over to articles on crime and make-up sex being like cocaine -- and a fair number of adults are still posting comments on HuffPost Teen -- parents may want to think twice about letting younger teens roam freely on the site.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the news items that are covered of the site -- which really appeal to your teen? How can they research the topic further, and how do they feel about the site’s coverage?
The site posts news articles and essay-type, first-person stories and blogs -- plus teen fiction. What’s the difference between a news article and a narrative column? Which do teens feel they should rely on for accurate news?
Readers can post comments on the articles and other items on the site. Because the comments often involve very personal reactions to the topics covered, some can be pretty intense. What kind of comments are OK to post when you’re sharing your feelings about a current events topic? And what comments might be considered too harsh?
Website Details
- Subjects: Language & Reading : discussion, reading, Social Studies : cultural understanding, events
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning : analyzing evidence, thinking critically, Communication : conveying messages effectively, listening
- Genre: Civic Engagement
- Topics: High School
- Pricing structure: Free
- Last updated: August 1, 2019
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