Google, YouTube, Bing and Yahoo are just some of the most powerful search engines that allow kids to find anything they want instantly. Unfortunately, these search engines also allow them to find the things you don’t want them to find. To help keep kids safe online, here are some of the best kid-friendly search engines and browsers.
Kiddle
Google Programmable Search Engine powers Kiddle search and employs SafeSearch with additional filters to protect children from explicit and harmful online content. This means links and images are kid-orientated and do not show explicit content.
Kidoz
Kidoz complies with the US Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and makes every effort to choose third-party websites and content that is kid-friendly. It also filters out inappropriate content and provides a safe space for children to explore.
KidzSearch
KidzSearch is a safe search engine for kids that filters out harmful content. It also offers educational games and videos suitable for children. It also uses Google's Safe Search technology and advanced filtering tools on web content.
Safe Search Kids
Safe Search Kids is a search engine powered by Google Custom Search but with additional filtering to block inappropriate content for children. It’s used for schools and can be used at home by setting up preferences that make sense for your child’s Google account.
Swiggle
Swiggle is a child-friendly search engine that also utilises Google SafeSearch technology. It aims to provide a safe online environment for kids to search and learn.
Zoodles
Zoodles is a kid-friendly browser that offers a safe search engine and curated educational content for children. Parental controls allow you to configure which sites your kids can access so they can only enter pages you have already added to their list.
YouTube Kids
While not a traditional browser, the YouTube Kids app is a separate app created to be a safer and simpler experience for kids to explore YouTube, with tools for parents to guide their journey. It provides a safer environment for children to explore age-appropriate videos.
What are the benefits of using a kid-safe search engine?
Kid-safe search engines have several benefits. Firstly, they use content filters to screen out inappropriate or unsafe material, ensuring that children are exposed only to age-appropriate content. They also prioritise delivering search results that are suitable for children, which can include filtering out content that may be too violent or otherwise unsuitable for a younger audience.
These search engines and child-friendly browsers can also help keep kids safe from online scams, such as Phishing scams that can involve fake websites, contests or giveaways that may lead to personal information being given away or inappropriate or explicit content.
Lastly, there are no personalised ads, as kid-safe search engines often avoid tracking. This means that children are less likely to be exposed to targeted ads based on their online activities, and this makes for a more privacy-focused experience.
Are there any negatives to using a kid-safe search engine?
Kid-safe search engines and browsers can give parents a false sense of security, so it’s important to realise that nothing is 100 per cent safe online. Kid-safe search engines do provide additional safeguards, but it's important to remain actively involved in your kid's online activities.
Don’t rely on these search engines to protect them. Ensure you have regular chats about online safety. Setting guidelines and monitoring online behaviour are essential for a safe and positive online experience for children.
Alongside this, older kids may find the content limiting. Kid-friendly search engines have strict content filters that may be overly cautious for the sake of younger kids and could lead to limitations in search results. Teens may not get access to a wide range of information, which could potentially hinder their ability to find relevant and educational content.
What is the safest search engine for kids?
Any of the above search engines are good for keeping kids safe online, but it's important to note that while these search engines provide an added layer of safety, parental supervision is crucial. Additionally, it's a good practice to stay informed about the latest developments and features of kid-safe search engines to ensure the ongoing safety of online experiences for children.
Is Google safe for kids to use?
Google doesn't have specific filters designed solely for children but it does offer a feature called "SafeSearch" that can be activated to filter explicit content from search results, which adds an extra layer of safety.
To enable SafeSearch on Google:
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Go to the Google homepage (www.google.com).
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Click on "Settings" at the bottom right corner of the page.
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Select "Search settings."
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Under "SafeSearch filters," choose the level of filtering you want (usually "Strict" for the highest level of filtering).
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Click "Save" at the bottom of the page.
Enabling SafeSearch can help filter out explicit content, but it's not a foolproof solution. It’s crucial to monitor children's online activities, educate them about responsible internet use, and discuss potential online risks.
How can GoHenry help?
Monitor your child's spending with instant notifications, and set spending limits with a GoHenry kids’ debit card. It’s a great way to keep an eye on your child's spending. Alongside real-time notifications, you can set limits on where your child spends their money to ensure that they don't spend too much on or offline. Our in-app Money Missions also teach your children about financial responsibility with bite-sized lessons and quizzes on a wide range of subjects, from online scams to the value of money.
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