Your+Sphere+Information+Page

__**YourSphere.com**__


 * What is the site's mission? (i.e. purpose of the community and its objectives). **

Yoursphere.com is a kids-only social network offering its members a vibrant and uniquely engaging experience.


 * Who are the community's members?**

The community age ranges from 13 to 17. There are free memberships as well as premium memberships.


 * What are the guidelines for membership?**

Members online safety and privacy are a key priority through the application of common sense safeguards. The site is hyper-focused on supporting the positive interests and aspirations of its members. Yoursphere's priority of children's online safety and privacy is achieved via implementation of technology, human oversight, proprietary policies including input from their Law Enforcement Task Force populated by former Secret Service, FBI agents and other law enforcement officials as well as through education and action. Yoursphere adheres to the federal Children‟s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and is approved by the Privacy Vaults Online Safe Harbor of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).


 * What are the guidelines for adult involvement? (teachers, parents)**

Yoursphere‟s companion site, Yoursphere for Parents., equips families with practical tools for handling the online world to help ensure a positive and safe experience. YoursphereForParents is read by parents in more than 96 countries.


 * What features are included in this site? (e.g. message areas, discussion forums, blogs, chats, photo and video sharing, games, etc…) **

Yoursphere.com offers its members all the best of the Internet – their own blog, hundreds of games, a virtual world, the fostering of shared interests through “spheres”, social interaction, contests, rewards and a scholarship program.


 * Is there a clear rationale for the features that have been included? **

Yes. The website is very nicely laid out and and many questions are answered before the user has to sign up for anything.


 * In your opinion, can this site be used for an educational purpose? Can it be related to curriculum? Why or why not? **

No not really unless the teacher is considering using blogging as a part of the classroom grade/participation. This site is mainly for social interaction and as a way to enjoy personal time. No curriculum is being worked on as the purpose of the site is to enjoy your own free time.


 * If it can't be directly tied to curriculum, would you recommend it to parents? Would you let your own children use the site? Why or why not? **

I feel that children should not be using social networking sites at such an early age. I feel they should be talking to their own friends that they do know face-to-face. They could easily communicate through instant messaging, text messages, and phone calls if they want to stay in contact with one another.