Parents' Guide to Reddit

Website http://www.reddit.com
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Common Sense Media Review

Michelle Kitt By Michelle Kitt , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

Share, rank, and discuss news -- and adult topics.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 15+

Based on 29 parent reviews

 

 

See all 29 parent reviews
age 13+

Based on 112 kid reviews

Kids say that the website has a mix of positive and negative aspects, offering a platform for social interaction and educational content. However, concerns about inappropriate, NSFW, and toxic content are prevalent, with many users recommending parental supervision and content filters for younger audiences to navigate safely.

  • social interaction
  • parental supervision
  • inappropriate content
  • toxic community
  • educational upside
  • content filters
Summarized with AI
 

 

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Privacy Rating Warning

  • Personal information is not sold or rented to third parties.
  • Personal information is shared for third-party marketing.
  • Personalised advertising is displayed.
  • Data are collected by third-parties for their own purposes.
  • User's information is used to track and target advertisements on other third-party websites or services.
  • Data profiles are created and used for personalised advertisements.
Learn more about our privacy ratings

What's It About?

Kids can access links that lead to stories or photos on external sites on REDDIT. Once they register, they can vote, make self-posts, or subscribe to "subreddits" that focus on specific topics. The signup process doesn't require proof of age. Voting a link "up" or "down" affects its popularity over other stories on the page. Kids can comment in response to stories or other users, and then vote on those, too; a user with a lot of upvoted comments earns "karma," which doesn't affect the user's experience, but does look nice in the bare-bones user profiles. As of 2017, users can upload videos as well.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 29 ):
Kids say ( 112 ):

This unique social sharing site is an excellent example of the power of people, but it's definitely not for kids. In its completely open environment groups have formed, campaigned, and raised significant amounts of money for positive change. Subreddits connect users with common interests while moderators keep things on topic and stick to clearly posted rules. The drawback on Reddit is the same as it is for the entire Internet -- there's just no telling what people will put out there. Links, comments, and entire subreddits may expose kids to biased, offensive, or sexual content. Reddit's best audience is a grown-up one.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the benefits and drawbacks of an open, free-speech community like Reddit. What are the consequences of sharing opinions in an anonymous, public environment? What are good rules to follow when responding to others? Read Common Sense Media's Digital Life: Our Kids Connected Culture.

  • Kids begin to form their moral and philosophical beliefs in their mid to late teens. How does the news affect them? Read Common Sense Media's Explaining the News to Kids.

  • Families can talk about how to recognize bias and stereotyping in the media. Read Common Sense Media's Tips for Battling Stereotypes.

Website Details

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

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