Common Sense Media Review
By Erin Brereton , based on child development research. How do we rate?
Anti-bullying site is noble, limited by YouTube reliance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Videos and Photos
Bystander Revolution
Parent and Kid Reviews
Privacy Rating Warning
Privacy Rating
Our expert evaluators create our privacy ratings. The ratings are designed to help you understand how apps use your data for commercial purposes.
Pass
Meets our minimum requirements for privacy and security practices.
Warning
Does not meet our recommendations for privacy and security practices.
Fail
Does not have a privacy policy and should not be used.
Privacy Rating
Our expert evaluators create our privacy ratings. The ratings are designed to help you understand how apps use your data for commercial purposes.
Pass
Meets our minimum requirements for privacy and security practices.
Warning
Does not meet our recommendations for privacy and security practices.
Fail
Does not have a privacy policy and should not be used.
What’s It About?
Launched in April 2014 by author MacKenzie Bezos, wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, BYSTANDER REVOLUTION has content that includes more than 100 one- to two-minute videos. Musicians such as Jason Mraz and celebrities such as actor Ansel Elgort share personal experiences and suggestions on preventing bullying. Kids can search by topic, such as body image or cyberbullying. They can also access written tips from parents, teens, and organizations such as GLAAD, check out weekly action ideas, and read discussion questions that tie into a video series.
Is It Any Good?
Bystander Revolution has a noble objective: offer kids who are being bullied -- or who are witnessing kids being bullied -- emotional support and advice on turning the situation around. The site offers a pretty safe experience; kids can't interact or post comments about the clips from celebrities and teens.
In 2016, Bystander Revolution also incorporated more diverse content instead of only video -- including written tips on preventing and dealing with bullying -- which helps convey the site's message and makes the overall experience more engaging. Bystander Revolution deserves some kudos for its work; kids who spend even a little time on the site are likely to walk away feeing empowered and supported -- which is a really good thing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how people at school and in the media can influence your child's self-image. Why is it so hard to fight negative imagery when it's constantly being presented to you?
Talk about how your child defines bullying. How can your child handle similar situations if they arise at school or other locations?
Talk about language that could be construed as mean or hurtful. Have you ever heard that kind of talk at school?
Website Details
- Subjects: Language & Reading : reading, using supporting evidence, Social Studies : cultural understanding
- Skills: Emotional Development : empathy, persevering, perspective taking, Responsibility & Ethics : embracing differences, respect for others
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: High School
- Pricing structure: Free
- Last updated: May 11, 2016
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
You May Also Like...
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate