Review

Instructables

Common Sense Media says

Encyclopedia of cool DIY projects, but not all for kids.
Age
13
Quality
 
Learning
3
  • Positive messages3
    Overall, the DIY message this site sends is positive. You can do anything, and probably someone has done it before, too. Also, the collaborative theme of the site is refreshing.
  • Violence1
    Most of this site involves no violence at all; however, there are some pages full of ideas on how to make "bombs," but most of them are quite harmless, like how to make a ticking time bomb Halloween costume, or how to make a seed bomb to plant seeds in a large area. But others could potentially be more dangerous or at least disturbing (such as a how to make a nuclear bomb joke.) Other mock-violent entries include an award-winning guillotine Halloween prop, or the how to make a Hellboy gun prop.
  • Sex1
    Mostly non-sexual content. How to dress like a "pinup girl" for Halloween, is one current example of what users will see on the Halloween page. But this is a user-content driven site, so there are a lot of entries under sexy stuff, if you go looking for it.
  • Language0
    Not applicable.
  • Consumerism3
    There are ads, both small Google-style ads and larger ads throughout the site. Some of the ideas have product tie-ins, such as how to create a costume that looks like a certain cereal ad cartoon character.  
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking3
    Many recipes for alcoholic cocktails.
  • Privacy & safety3
    You don't have to register to view most of the content on this site. If you choose to register, it's up to you how much information you provide or whether you want to post at all.
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Instructables is a gigantic DIY site where users share how to build, cook, sew, invent, or try almost anything. The site's overall tone is positive and supportive and encourages creativity. Searching through all of the ideas to separate the good from the bad is better left to adults -- or at least to teens who will check with adults before attempting to build their own outdoor hot tub or reassemble electronics. Expect plenty of ads, as well as a section devoted to alcoholic creations.

This review of Instructables was written by

Most useful reviews by all members

Kid, 9 years old
May 15, 2011
10
OK for kids & up
 
From bombs to computers.
I love this website, thank you for reminding me of this CSM!
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Parent of an infant, an infant, and 11 year old
May 5, 2011
9
OK for kids & up
 
^__^;;
dis website shows u how 2 maek chocolat nippels adn bombs
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Adult
September 27, 2010
15
OK for kids & up
 
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Helped me decide (21) | Had useful details (29) | Read my mind (22)
Kid, 9 years old
November 23, 2010
11
OK for kids & up
 
i like the ideas on the website
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Helped me decide (27) | Had useful details (25) | Read my mind (17)
Kid, 10 years old
October 25, 2010
14
Pause for kids & under
 
i love this website
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