2 Popular Teen Sites Have Much to Offer

Two of the more popular online teen communities, Headbone.com and Bolt.com, appeal to girls and boys and offer plenty of content.

Headbone.com

Calling itself a site that “knows kids and how to reach them,” Headbone.com, at https://www.headbone.com, features a safety-minded community of online games, activities and professionally monitored chat rooms for 8- to 17-year-olds.

Headbone’s main chat rooms--Teen Scene, Kid’s Corner and ActOut Studio--encourage kids to discuss all facets of teen life. The chat room monitors act as chaperons to ensure the safety of participants and block objectionable material.

In addition to chats, Headbone features the Dodex (a personality tester), a dream decoder called the Dreamalyser and more than 10,000 jokes in Smirk City. Online games include the multi-player Camp Champ, in which kids collect and trade special cards, plus Rags to Riches and Mars or Bust.

Bolt.com

With content aimed at an older audience--ages 15 to 24--Bolt.com, at https://www.bolt.com, is a young adult Web site with a wireless component that provides a forum for subscribers to meet and greet on their own terms.

The majority of Bolt’s content is generated by users, with few overall restrictions except some online safety rules, so it is not recommended for young children. Visitors can explore 15 channels for candid discussions and information on Sex & Dating, College, Music, Movies, Health, Sports, Drugs, Cars and Style. Bolt also offers a wireless initiative enabling members with mobile phones to receive additional material.

Special features include Bolt Notes (a cross between e-mail and instant messaging) and Tagbooks (a member-created series of polls and questions). There are more than 125,000 special interest Bolt Clubs plus free e-mail and voicemail accounts, horoscopes and e-cards.

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Karen Jones is a freelance writer specializing in children’s interactive media.