Website Review: ChannelOne.com
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this site is the online partner of
Channel One News, a news service broadcast in more than 11,000
middle and high schools. Some groups have voiced strong
objections to the news service because its 10-minute broadcast
contains two minutes of commercials. The Web site itself has a
fair amount of advertising, including banner ads and some
sponsored content. Otherwise, the site is safe and appropriate
for teens. There's one section that allows users to submit
videos, but it requires permission from a parent. Parents will
appreciate the content on Internet safety, which covers
social
networking, video sharing, email hoaxes, and
cyberbullying.
Families can talk about the Channel One advertising controversy. Is advertising on the site less objectionable than in the classroom, since web users aren't a "captive audience"? Why is the U.S. Army such a prominent advertiser on the site? Our Selling to Kids can help kick off a conversation about the relationship between ads and content.
Common Sense Media Review
CHANNELONE.COM is a "news and public affairs content
provider," though some of the featured content ("Kabbalah Love
Calculator" and "Name That Star") seems straight out of a
mainstream teen mag. Get past that fluffy fare and teens will
find compelling current events coverage. OneVote: 2008 takes an
interactive (and balanced) approach to the upcoming election,
providing a snapshot of each Democratic and Republican
candidate, a guide to major political parties, a quiz
illustrating the significance of voting, and an action guide
for getting involved. Not a political junkie? The site covers a
wide range of other issues, like the environment, health,
faith, and finance. Tackling topics with quizzes, commentary,
and games (like the very handy Credit Card Simulator) creates a
rich user experience. The new Livewire section has some cool
videos, but each one starts with the same contest announcement
which is tedious to watch over and over again.
Older teens into politics and activism might want to check out YouthNoise.com. Younger teens and tweens might enjoy Nick News with Linda Ellerbee .
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
