4 Websites for Tween Girls
She’s too old for Club Penguin, but still too young for Facebook. So where can your young tween girl spend her time online? Here are four sites specifically made for them with Parental Control perks for you!
1) allykatzz.com
A buzzing message board, with ties to a tween-focused marketing firm.
Coolest Feature: The White House Wall—Your daughter can postmessages and pictures that will be sent to the First Family.
On Boys and Bodies: A lunchroom atmosphere means honest talk from girls—for better or worse.
Parental Controls: When she registers, she’ll be asked to submit your e-mail address so you can be notified.
2) beaconstreetgirls.com
Games, a journal and talk, based on squeaky-clean girls from the books.
Coolest Feature: Clubs—There’s one for everything from volunteering to cooking, plus a page for her to post fiction and poetry.
On Boys and Bodies: Stresses staying healthy, playing sports and getting positive attention (i.e., for smarts, not short skirts).
Parental Controls: A parent’s e-mail address is required for sign-up; parents can cancel at any time.
3) girlambition.com
A colorful virtual world (complete with tree house) for tweens and moms
Coolest Feature: Videos— Girls don’t just watch them, they make and upload their own.
On Boys and Bodies: Strongly emphasizes self-esteem, playing it safe by mostly avoiding the topic of boys altogether.
Parental Controls: A parent must approve each friend before her daughter can chat with or receive e-mail from that person.
4) girlslife.com
The online home of the tween magazine, a past Parents’ Choice Award winner
Coolest Feature: The Pen Pal Program—She’ll be sent the names and e-mails (no home addresses) of five girls. But it costs $20.
On Boys and Bodies: “Love” talk doesn’t stray far from “liking” and hand-holding. A section on periods lets her ask questions.
Parental Controls: Kids under 13 need permission to join. Adult moderators have a strong presence, even offering crush advice when asked.
