Parents' Guide to

Starbright World

By Conny Coon, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Social network provides support to seriously ill teens.

Website http://www.starbrightworld.org/
Starbright World Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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age 8+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Yesitsme
Yesitsme Adult
February 7, 2011
age 8+

Great for teens in need!

As the parent of 1 member and 1 former member (as the age limit was reached) I can personally tell you all that Starbright World did more than any doctor or hospital ever did to keep the spirits of my children up, especially during the hardest times. Having to be hospitalized from weeks and months at a time, and having been in hospitals that both had access to SBW and those who did not, there was a profound difference in the kids mental states.

This title has:

Great messages
cumar
cumar Parent of 6-year-old
March 29, 2010
age 8+
Love it

This title has:

Great messages
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Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (3 ):

Being a teenager is tough enough already. Saddle a child with a serious illness, and the rigors of doctor visits, hospitalizations, and treatment can strip kids from friends, favorite pastimes and social activities. StarbrightWorld provides a private, safe place for teens to congregate and commiserate with others who relate and empathize. Straightforward and frank, illness is acknowledged -- not sugarcoated -- and members are treated with respect and dignity. Users will find a wealth of ways to reach out for help and support as they're navigating their illness. A simple search can connect teens who share the same diagnosis or who are undergoing the same treatment. Specialized "vent chats" give users the chance to rant about anything on their minds, all under the guidance of a mental health expert. For teens with a serious illness, StarbrightWorld provides a place where they're never alone.

Online interaction: Teen members will find abundant social interaction and activities -- chats, clubs, games, collecting friends, and more -- but the biggest benefit may be the supportive network created on the site.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • How social networks can create a sense of community and compassion among different groups of people. How do you think teens who are ill feel when they discover an online resource like this? What other websites help provide support for people?

  • Why it's important for this website to remain private and only for those who are seriously ill. Why do you think privacy matters to the people who create the site and who use it?

  • How staying connected has become such an integral part of life for kids. Ways technology helps keep kids who are ill connected to their friends, family and school. Would you deal with your illness differently if you didn't have digital tools to stay in touch?

Website Details

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