Often, parents think of the Internet a dangerous place for kids, and it can be. If you think that the Web in general is bad for your child, though, then you’re missing out on some of the most engaging and even educational media available for youngsters. Before you ban your child from the Internet altogether, consider some of these worthwhile online resources for kids.
Sponsored by the American Library Association, Great Websites for Kids is a one-stop-shop for kids looking for a little fun and learning on the Web. Featuring hundreds of kid-friendly sites, this resource allows kids or parents to filter websites by subject area including animals, the arts, literature & languages, and more, or view popular and top-rated sites. Although an age filter would be a nice addition, Great Websites for Kids is definitely a “great” place for kids to start their Web adventures.
### Club Penguin
Club Penguin is a game site and social network for kids all rolled into one. Kids take on the role of a penguin and “waddle around and meet new friends.” Youngsters can chat with other penguins, but they can only use certain phrases pre-approved by the site moderators, ensuring that there’s never any inappropriate exchanges. The game also features cool games that allow kids to earn coins and purchase apparel and accessories for their penguins.
### PBS Kids
PBS Kids is a great site for younger kids because it’s not only fun and educational, but it features youngster’s favorite cartoon characters as well. Preschoolers can learn their letters, numbers, shapes, and colors while “playing” on the site, all the while gaining digital literacy skills such as using a mouse and keyboard.
These are just a few of the valuable internet resources for kids on the Web; there are hundreds of sites featuring useful content for little ones, and new ones are being created every day. Even so, it’s important to be cautious when allowing your child to explore online.
Parental control apps such as Qustodio can open the doors for safe Internet exploration by monitoring and reporting on your child’s Internet activity. You can even play it extra safe by blocking entire categories of websites so that your child never sees anything inappropriate online. Qustodio is also completely free, so you have nothing to lose but anxiety over your child’s online safety. Download the app today!
