Understanding the Risks of Search Engines For Kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.familyorbit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/safe-search-engines-used-by-kids.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSearch engines are one of the primary tools that we use to explore the vast realms of the content offered by the internet. Most web pages can be found using search engines, catering to all manner of needs and interests. However, these same search engines can allow children to stumble onto all kinds of content that are not meant for them. Given that search engines often prioritize the most clickable content, as well as the most relevant content, it\u2019s easy for children to access inappropriate materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These inappropriate materials can have deeper influences on our children than many realize. They can cause psychological and emotional harm, such as nightmares and anxiety. Early access to sexually inappropriate materials can lead to distorted views on body image, sexual relationships, and sexuality. There are some concerns that exposure to violence may lead to desensitization, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Children are innately curious and, as a result, can\u2019t always be trusted to filter their own search experience. For that reason, we might want to rely on tools that can curate the internet for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secondly, removing personal information<\/a> about your family from public search engines is a powerful step toward safeguarding your child’s privacy. With so much data floating online, personal details\u2014names, addresses, birthdays, and even family photos\u2014can end up accessible to anyone. This visibility makes children especially vulnerable, as it could expose them to identity theft, cyberbullying, or even stalking<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\nBy clearing personal details from search engines, you can control what strangers can discover about your family. This extra layer of privacy also helps reduce the chance that someone could misuse your child’s information for malicious purposes. It\u2019s not just about protecting them today but about preventing their digital footprint from being exploited in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Top Safe Search Engines For Kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\nKiddle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.familyorbit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/kiddle-kid-rex.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nKiddle<\/a> is one of the most popular existing search engines for kids, described as the \u201csafe visual search engine for kids,\u201d making use of Google\u2019s own search engine, but with additional features on top of Google\u2019s own SafeSearch to make it more effective at ensuring children can go searching the net in safety. For instance, certain words that are likely to turn up primarily adult-appropriate content on Google, such as \u201cboobs\u201d will lead to an \u2018oops\u2019 try again page, while more educationally relevant terms like \u201cbreasts\u201d may bring up scientific learning resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\nThey also have a \u201cKimages\u201d tab, which works on Google\u2019s Image Search, and Kpedia, a Wikipedia-analog, video search<\/a>, news search, and resources designed for parents and educators. Other benefits include the use of larger thumbnails and a big Arial font to make the site more readable for smaller users. That said, there is content marked as child-safe which some may take issue with. Searching for celebrities such as pop stars can show them in outfits that are used to perform live but that some might consider too risque for children, while children may also be able to find sites with crime-related content that may include disturbing photos. <\/p>\n\n\n\nKidRex<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.familyorbit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/kidrex-safe-search-engine.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nJust like Kiddle, KidRex<\/a> is another child-oriented search engine that is powered by Google. It\u2019s run by an independent organization that\u2019s a division of Brent Media, Using Custom Search and Google SafeSearch<\/a> technologies, it goes beyond applying basic filters, and maintains its own database of websites and keywords that are not appropriate for children to make sure that any search results using these are not shown in their result pages. Any searches that include inappropriate search terms or would only lead to pages marked as inappropriate result in an \u201coops, try again\u201d page showing up.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDespite offering safer results for children, there has been a noted increase in poor-quality responses to certain search queries, such as more tabloid-quality reporting on certain terms instead of more informative and factual results. Given that KidRex works on the Google Search engine as its foundation, it, like Kiddle, does come with the same data privacy concerns as using Google, in that data used by KidRex may be used to shape future Google marketing messages, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AskKids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.familyorbit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ask-kids.com_-1024x340.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAskKids, or AskKids.com, is a search engine designed for kids, built on the Ask.com search engine. Unlike Kiddle and KidRex, this doesn\u2019t just use an existing search engine as its base but is built by the team from Ask.com directly. It offers a child-friendly aesthetic, with funny cartoons, but beneath the exterior, a lot of work is done to ensure the most relevant and appropriate results show for children in response to their queries. This includes the omission of a range of inappropriate search terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rather than filtering out results<\/a> that make use of inappropriate sites or keywords, AskKids instead has a curated pool of search results that it pulls from. Every result that children see has been selected by Ask.com\u2019s editorial team and checked specifically for child safety. This means that, more than most other search engines, actual effort goes into making sure that every site shown to children is appropriate for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAskKids also has a range of helpful features, including the ability to solve basic mathematical equations, an enhanced image search that suggests images relevant to past searches help children find the images they want, a dictionary search to help them find the meaning of complex works, and even small biographies of famous people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
KidzSearch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.familyorbit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/kidzsearch-enhanced-safe-search-by-google-1024x390.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLike Kiddle and KidRex, KidzSearch is a site that is powered by Google but with a focus on providing child-friendly results. In particular, KidzSearch is moderate in a way that pushes educationally suitable websites further up in the results while also filtering out a range of websites and keywords marked as inappropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
KidzSearch has also expanded on Google\u2019s auto-complete feature in order to ensure that more educationally appropriate answers are pushed to the top of the results. However, some users have noted that while search results remain safe, the site\u2019s use of advertising platforms has resulted in users getting adverts for inappropriate and adult-themed ads depending on what they have searched for. Others have noted being able to access some PG-13 content, which may mean that care has to be taken to filter content in other ways while using KidzSearch for maximum effectiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wacky Safe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.familyorbit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/wacky-safe-search-by-microsoft-1024x354.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMicrosoft, the company behind Bing, has also launched its own kids\u2019 search engine by the name of Wacky Safe<\/a>. Unlike the other examples named here, Wacky Safe is its very own app that can be downloaded to PCs and Android phones, rather than being a website that is accessible directly through browsers. This offers an enhanced version of their existing search engine that not only blocks inappropriate content<\/a> and uses keyword filtering but also filters out websites that are otherwise potentially harmful to devices and users.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWacky Safe also has additional improvements such as voice-to-text searches, powered by RepsonsiveVoice, and visual enhancements on certain, hand-picked websites, such as pictures and fact sheets to make it more educationally helpful to its users. However, given that it\u2019s on a fairly limited range of devices and is not accessible through browsers, some kids and parents may find difficulty in making use of this particular search engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Importance of Parental Controls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.familyorbit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/family-orbit-ad-banner-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAs many of the reviews above hopefully show, there are great strides being made toward making search engines safer and more appropriate for children which, in turn, will make their browsing experience a lot less of a concern for parents. However, each of the search engines above does have its own vulnerabilities and, in some cases, children can use them to access materials that they shouldn\u2019t be able to. This is why parental controls remain an important tool in curating their online experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSearch engines are one of the primary tools that we use to explore the vast realms of the content offered by the internet. Most web pages can be found using search engines, catering to all manner of needs and interests. However, these same search engines can allow children to stumble onto all kinds of content that are not meant for them. Given that search engines often prioritize the most clickable content, as well as the most relevant content, it\u2019s easy for children to access inappropriate materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These inappropriate materials can have deeper influences on our children than many realize. They can cause psychological and emotional harm, such as nightmares and anxiety. Early access to sexually inappropriate materials can lead to distorted views on body image, sexual relationships, and sexuality. There are some concerns that exposure to violence may lead to desensitization, as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Children are innately curious and, as a result, can\u2019t always be trusted to filter their own search experience. For that reason, we might want to rely on tools that can curate the internet for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secondly, removing personal information<\/a> about your family from public search engines is a powerful step toward safeguarding your child’s privacy. With so much data floating online, personal details\u2014names, addresses, birthdays, and even family photos\u2014can end up accessible to anyone. This visibility makes children especially vulnerable, as it could expose them to identity theft, cyberbullying, or even stalking<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By clearing personal details from search engines, you can control what strangers can discover about your family. This extra layer of privacy also helps reduce the chance that someone could misuse your child’s information for malicious purposes. It\u2019s not just about protecting them today but about preventing their digital footprint from being exploited in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kiddle<\/a> is one of the most popular existing search engines for kids, described as the \u201csafe visual search engine for kids,\u201d making use of Google\u2019s own search engine, but with additional features on top of Google\u2019s own SafeSearch to make it more effective at ensuring children can go searching the net in safety. For instance, certain words that are likely to turn up primarily adult-appropriate content on Google, such as \u201cboobs\u201d will lead to an \u2018oops\u2019 try again page, while more educationally relevant terms like \u201cbreasts\u201d may bring up scientific learning resources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They also have a \u201cKimages\u201d tab, which works on Google\u2019s Image Search, and Kpedia, a Wikipedia-analog, video search<\/a>, news search, and resources designed for parents and educators. Other benefits include the use of larger thumbnails and a big Arial font to make the site more readable for smaller users. That said, there is content marked as child-safe which some may take issue with. Searching for celebrities such as pop stars can show them in outfits that are used to perform live but that some might consider too risque for children, while children may also be able to find sites with crime-related content that may include disturbing photos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like Kiddle, KidRex<\/a> is another child-oriented search engine that is powered by Google. It\u2019s run by an independent organization that\u2019s a division of Brent Media, Using Custom Search and Google SafeSearch<\/a> technologies, it goes beyond applying basic filters, and maintains its own database of websites and keywords that are not appropriate for children to make sure that any search results using these are not shown in their result pages. Any searches that include inappropriate search terms or would only lead to pages marked as inappropriate result in an \u201coops, try again\u201d page showing up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite offering safer results for children, there has been a noted increase in poor-quality responses to certain search queries, such as more tabloid-quality reporting on certain terms instead of more informative and factual results. Given that KidRex works on the Google Search engine as its foundation, it, like Kiddle, does come with the same data privacy concerns as using Google, in that data used by KidRex may be used to shape future Google marketing messages, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n AskKids, or AskKids.com, is a search engine designed for kids, built on the Ask.com search engine. Unlike Kiddle and KidRex, this doesn\u2019t just use an existing search engine as its base but is built by the team from Ask.com directly. It offers a child-friendly aesthetic, with funny cartoons, but beneath the exterior, a lot of work is done to ensure the most relevant and appropriate results show for children in response to their queries. This includes the omission of a range of inappropriate search terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rather than filtering out results<\/a> that make use of inappropriate sites or keywords, AskKids instead has a curated pool of search results that it pulls from. Every result that children see has been selected by Ask.com\u2019s editorial team and checked specifically for child safety. This means that, more than most other search engines, actual effort goes into making sure that every site shown to children is appropriate for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n AskKids also has a range of helpful features, including the ability to solve basic mathematical equations, an enhanced image search that suggests images relevant to past searches help children find the images they want, a dictionary search to help them find the meaning of complex works, and even small biographies of famous people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like Kiddle and KidRex, KidzSearch is a site that is powered by Google but with a focus on providing child-friendly results. In particular, KidzSearch is moderate in a way that pushes educationally suitable websites further up in the results while also filtering out a range of websites and keywords marked as inappropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n KidzSearch has also expanded on Google\u2019s auto-complete feature in order to ensure that more educationally appropriate answers are pushed to the top of the results. However, some users have noted that while search results remain safe, the site\u2019s use of advertising platforms has resulted in users getting adverts for inappropriate and adult-themed ads depending on what they have searched for. Others have noted being able to access some PG-13 content, which may mean that care has to be taken to filter content in other ways while using KidzSearch for maximum effectiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Microsoft, the company behind Bing, has also launched its own kids\u2019 search engine by the name of Wacky Safe<\/a>. Unlike the other examples named here, Wacky Safe is its very own app that can be downloaded to PCs and Android phones, rather than being a website that is accessible directly through browsers. This offers an enhanced version of their existing search engine that not only blocks inappropriate content<\/a> and uses keyword filtering but also filters out websites that are otherwise potentially harmful to devices and users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wacky Safe also has additional improvements such as voice-to-text searches, powered by RepsonsiveVoice, and visual enhancements on certain, hand-picked websites, such as pictures and fact sheets to make it more educationally helpful to its users. However, given that it\u2019s on a fairly limited range of devices and is not accessible through browsers, some kids and parents may find difficulty in making use of this particular search engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As many of the reviews above hopefully show, there are great strides being made toward making search engines safer and more appropriate for children which, in turn, will make their browsing experience a lot less of a concern for parents. However, each of the search engines above does have its own vulnerabilities and, in some cases, children can use them to access materials that they shouldn\u2019t be able to. This is why parental controls remain an important tool in curating their online experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTop Safe Search Engines For Kids<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Kiddle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nKidRex<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAskKids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nKidzSearch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWacky Safe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Importance of Parental Controls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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