Parents' Guide to

Reddit

By Michelle Kitt, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Share, rank, and discuss news -- and adult topics.

Website http://www.reddit.com
Reddit Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this website.

Community Reviews

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age 16+

Based on 35 parent reviews

KingSmokey69th
KingSmokey69th Adult
September 13, 2021
age 13+

Reddit review

TERRIBLE! If they dont like your opinion it is removed within 60 seconds. Usually comments go way off topic, include vulgar unnecessary language and seems to always follow popular opinion not fact or open discussion.
YouKnowWho
YouKnowWho Adult
September 19, 2020
age 18+

This is just terrible!

I was using Reddit for many years. Mostly to get in contact to people all over the world. Topics from politics to photography and everything in between. Because of my big activity on Reddit I have earned a lot of karma. One day I got a message from Reddit: My account is permantly suspended. No reason, no hint... nothing. All my contacts, messages and posts... GONE! I tried to contact Reddit but there was no response. So I created a new account and tried to find some of my old contacts. I used a VPN, just in case. Because most subreddits need you to have karma I started to post every day. Nothing was upvoted and I didn't get any replies. Strange... This gave me an idea; create a new account with an other VPN and check it. And what seemed to be the case? All my posts (100+) from the first new account aren't posted! Nobody can see them! What is happening here? When did Reddit became crap? Besides this awfull way of working I also want to point out the minors on Reddit, trying to post and trade other minor stuff. I have seen awful things, even reported them, showing me illegal stuff. These accounts are still active, but mine is removed?
See all 35 parent reviews

Privacy Rating Warning

  • Personal information is not sold or rented to third parties.
  • Personal information is shared for third-party marketing.
  • Personalised advertising is displayed.
  • Data are collected by third-parties for their own purposes.
  • User's information is used to track and target advertisements on other third-party websites or services.
  • Data profiles are created and used for personalised advertisements.
Learn more about our privacy ratings

What’s It About?

Kids can access links that lead to stories or photos on external sites on REDDIT. Once they register, they can vote, make self-posts, or subscribe to “subreddits” that focus on specific topics. The signup process doesn’t require proof of age. Voting a link “up” or “down” affects its popularity over other stories on the page. Kids can comment in response to stories or other users, and then vote on those, too; a user with a lot of upvoted comments earns “karma,” which doesn’t affect the user’s experience, but does look nice in the bare-bones user profiles. As of 2017, users can upload videos as well.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (35 ):
Kids say (111 ):

This unique social sharing site is an excellent example of the power of people, but it's definitely not for kids. In its completely open environment groups have formed, campaigned, and raised significant amounts of money for positive change. Subreddits connect users with common interests while moderators keep things on topic and stick to clearly posted rules. The drawback on Reddit is the same as it is for the entire Internet -- there’s just no telling what people will put out there. Links, comments, and entire subreddits may expose kids to biased, offensive, or sexual content. Reddit’s best audience is a grown-up one.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the benefits and drawbacks of an open, free-speech community like Reddit. What are the consequences of sharing opinions in an anonymous, public environment? What are good rules to follow when responding to others? Read Common Sense Media’s Digital Life: Our Kids Connected Culture.

  • Kids begin to form their moral and philosophical beliefs in their mid to late teens. How does the news affect them? Read Common Sense Media's Explaining the News to Kids.

  • Families can talk about how to recognize bias and stereotyping in the media. Read Common Sense Media’s Tips for Battling Stereotypes.

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