Most children growing up today are as comfortable with computers as we were with our Raggedy Anns. This is a good trend, because being computer-literate is a necessity in today’s world. It’s never too early to introduce kids to the wealth of information available on the Internet. And the best place for kids is on specifically designated “kid-friendly” sites. These are sites that have been reviewed and rated as to their appropriateness for children. On them you will find a plethora of learning tools, games, brainteasers and boredom-busters for children of all ages. These interactive activities enhance hand-eye coordination for youngsters as young as 3; build reading and math skills at all levels, spark the imagination and provide hours of entertainment for everyone (even grown-ups enjoy a game of Whack-The-Mole now and then!) Some of the addresses listed below take you directly to a kid-friendly site; others are portals to many kid-friendly sites. No discussion of kid-friendly Internet sites would be complete without information about Internet safety issues. The last site listed below is an informative guide for parents to keep their child safe on the information highway.
Top Kid-Friendly Searches
- KidsGames.org ( http://www.kidsgames.org)
- SurfNetKids.com (http://www.surfnetkids.com/games)
- SesameWorkshop.org (http://www.sesameworkshop.org)
- BloatedYak.com (http://www.bloatedyak.com)
- PlayKidsGames.com (http://www.playkidsgames.com)
- SafeKids.com (http://www.safekids.com)
Tips
- No software program or parental control buttons can replace on-site parental supervision. Think twice before leaving your child unattended at a keyboard.
- Review a site yourself before allowing your child access. Only you can determine that the content and skill level are appropriate for your child’s age.