Web Sites for Kids

Web Sites for Kids: Guidelines

Before allowing your child free reign on the internet, you should find out what websites she/he plans to visit. By checking them out on your own, you can be assured that your child is choosing fun and/or education sites, and not something that is propaganda or advertising that could charge you money.

Some questions to ask yourself when searching for web sites for kids include:

• Are there lots of pop-up advertisements my child could click on?
• What other web sites does this link to?
• Is it age appropriate?
• Are there sections of the site that require downloads? If so, what applications do they require, and is there a charge?
• Is this website giving out legitimate information? Are the sources trustworthy?
• Are links to chat rooms or message boards available? How do I feel about my child participating in this kind of activity?

A lot of questions can be raised when it comes to letting kids find their own web sites. However, having a clear discussion before letting your child surf the net can help set some boundaries. Let your kids know in advance what is appropriate in your home. Your kid should know if she/he needs to ask permission to download items, or to visit sites you have not approved in advance.

Finding Great Educational Web Sites

Now that guidelines and rules have been set for your child’s Internet activities, where should she/he search for web sites for school? Using search engines and website ratings sites can help when it comes to keeping your kid on appropriate pages.

Here is a list of website generators that produce pages that will help your child with their schoolwork:

• American Library Association— Students can choose their topic (history, arts, sciences) and find sites relating to that topic.
• Ben’s Guide to U.S. Government for Kids— Offers federal websites on a range of topics, from animals and agriculture to foreign affairs and the law.
• Exploratorium— This site is a not-for-profit that has information on various sciences and offers interactive features. However, there are links to shopping and donations, so be sure your child understands she/he cannot buy anything without your permission.
• 4Kids.org— This site is developed by educators and those involved in the school systems. Links are provided to educational websites, and educational games and activities are offered.

Fun Gaming and Entertainment Web Sites

Web sites for kids do not have to be all about education. Children often enjoy blowing off steam playing a few fun games on the internet. Frequently, kids like to see their favorite television and movie characters featured in these games. Although these web sites do promote their television shows and merchandise, there are often games and other interactive features that fans of the shows will enjoy.

Sites like those for Disney Channel, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and Nick Jr. all offer kids a chance to play with their favorite characters online. With a wide range of fun and educational programming often aimed at smaller children, check out PBS for some online activities for your younger child.