Find fabulous Web sites for girls
Discover new Web sites that empower your daughters
Published: September 20, 2004
By Georgie Binks
"I love doing quizzes online and looking at clothes at different Web sites," says 18-year-old Elyse Della Rossa about her online habits. Anna Sellers, 16, spends her time chatting with friends on MSN Messenger, researching school projects, and occasionally checking out celebrity Web sites.
Neither is aware of any sites specifically aimed at girls.
And yet there are a growing number of great, empowering online destinations out there, says Judy Ranieri, co-founder of KapableKidz Inc. "They offer more of a focus on personal expression and creativity, whereas with boys' Web sites, they are game-oriented with a high level of interaction, lots of graphics," she explains. "There is a clear distinction between the two."
Distinguish between enriching content and marketing tactics
The challenge for girls is in finding these positive Web sites—and not those with ulterior motives. "On some Web sites kids can do surveys and enter contests," says Ranieri. "They are prompted to give information and much of it is used for marketing." Some also include shopping areas, especially those sites associated with popular toys.
While some sites promote sales, others promote stereotypes or concentrate too heavily on fashion, appearance, and boys—online versions of teen magazines that reinforce the notion that life is all about fitting into a size 0.
With a bit of research, parents can do their part in suggesting constructive sites for their daughters. "The big thing is credibility," says Louise Daw, a mom. "Unfortunately, many good Web sites don't have the money for marketing while others that are not as great have quite a bit of money behind them for marketing and promotion."
Daw suggests starting at a site that you already trust and following the links to other promising destinations. As a consultant in the physical activities field, Daw pointed her daughter to the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity, which has a section called Girls@Play. The site offers information on Canadian female athletes, lists opportunities across the country in which Canadian girls can get involved in different sports, and gives them the opportunity to tell their own sports stories.
Find sites that cover a wide range of topics
For great general sites, turn to About-Face, which encourages girls to combat distorted images in the media, and the fantastic GirlSite, which includes articles from the American girls' magazine New Moon, as well as career and volunteer advice. A Girl's World.com offers everything from babysitting courses, advice columns, and the opportunity to find a pen pal in another part of the world to a chance to write stories or poems and take part in online forums.
Uncover interest-specific destinations
The Web is full of sites dedicated to promoting not only empowerment, but particular interests, as well. For girls 7 to 16 who want to learn more about science, try the Canadian Association for Girls in Science. The Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology invites girls to explore career pathways by telling the success stories of six women, from an aquatic biologist to a fiber-optics engineer. Computer Girl targets those interested in the computer science industry, while Imaginary Lines—founded by former astronaut Sally Ride—is designed for girls fascinated with math, science, and technology. Finally, girls interested in literature can head to Blue Jean Online, which showcases the thoughts and writings of girls.
To find other appropriate Web sites, visit Empowering Young Women and Websites for Girls, both of which offer terrific links to a variety of inspiring online destinations. Then watch your daughters grow.
Article written by Georgie Binks and adapted from an original piece from Microsoft Home Magazine.
