Common Sense Media Review
By Erin Brereton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Quirky web series starring a teen digital detective.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
What's It About?
The RUBY SKYE P.I. online series follows the adventures of a 15-year-old gumshoe, told in brief episodes that showcase Ruby's inquisitive nature. The teen conveys a sense of excitement and curiosity during investigations; the installments also have a subtle self-empowerment vibe. Created for kids in fourth to eighth grade, the site also has supplementary materials that can help kids learn more about the skills needed to solve mysteries; a section featuring items about a girls' rights organization also offers a dose of girl power.
Is It Any Good?
RUBY SKYE P.I.'s brief webisodes -- they're roughly 4 to 6 minutes long -- are professionally filmed and center around an ongoing storyline in which Ruby tries to track down the source of an Internet scam. (The quest actually begins with Ruby trying to figure out who stole her brownies.)
The show is entertaining and hits the right tone; Ruby is just clever enough without being condescending to anyone she interviews. The series also contains a fair amount of factual (and topical) info about Internet scams. Mystery solved: Ruby Skye P.I. is a ton of fun to watch!
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how to know when it's OK to submit your email address to post a comment on a site or sign up for an e-newsletter -- and when it maybe isn't. When should you check with a parent first? Help your middle schooler develop safe online behavior.
Ruby does some serious detective work on the show. What's the difference between the kind of investigating she does -- and just plain snooping? Would, for example, be going through you sister's room considered detective work -- or a violation of privacy?
Ruby investigates Internet scams; the site also has a section listing recent ones. What is an Internet scam? How can you tell if someone is trying to scam you?
Website Details
- Subjects : Math : fractions , measurement , Language & Reading : using supporting evidence , vocabulary
- Skills : Emotional Development : moving beyond obstacles , perspective taking , Thinking & Reasoning : investigation , logic
- Genre : Video Sites
- Pricing structure : Free
- Last updated : November 11, 2020
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