Best News Sources for Kids

Kids want to know about current events, but adult news shows and sites can sometimes be scary, overwhelming, or even boring for a young audience. The websites and apps on this list offer stories of interest to kids and make serious events more digestible. If kids are seeking information about news that's potentially upsetting, it's always a good idea to discuss the issue together and get some reassurance or guidance. Breaking news also can be tough on kids, since facts can change quickly and initial reporting is sometimes wrong or offtrack. Parents can use these kid-friendly sources as a jumping-off point to discuss how news is reported and how to be a critical media consumer. It's important to help kids understand how to identify legitimate news sources and avoid stuff that's too partisan or even completely fake. Encourage your kids to find out what's happening in the world!

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News-O-Matic: Reading for Kids Poster Image
APP

News-O-Matic: Reading for Kids

age 7+

Fun, interactive way for kids to learn about current events.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2020)
Newsela: News and nonfiction at your reading level Poster Image
APP

Newsela: News and nonfiction at your reading level

age 8+

Extra! Extra! Great leveled texts and assessments.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2016)
Newsela Poster Image
WEBSITE

Newsela

age 8+

Stellar news tool connects kids to absorbing leveled reads

URL: https://newsela.com/ (2014)
NewsForKids.net Poster Image
WEBSITE

NewsForKids.net

age 8+

Concise news source keeps kids informed on current events.

URL: https://newsforkids.net (2018)
OpenSecrets.org Poster Image
WEBSITE

OpenSecrets.org

age 8+

Visuals, snappy text explain political spending details.

URL: https://www.opensecrets.org (2017)
Time for Kids Poster Image
WEBSITE

Time for Kids

age 8+

Terrific news/info resource boosts brain power.

URL: https://www.timeforkids.com/ (2007)
Xyza: News for Kids Poster Image
WEBSITE

Xyza: News for Kids

age 8+

Well-written, kid-friendly news requires paid subscription.

URL: https://www.xyzanews.com (2017)
Youngzine Poster Image
WEBSITE

Youngzine

age 8+

Super news site supports learning, contribution, community.

URL: http://www.youngzine.org/ (2014)
CBC Kids News Poster Image
WEBSITE

CBC Kids News

age 9+

Interesting news, but it can be hard to find some stories.

URL: https://www.cbc.ca/kidsnews/ (2018)
DOGO News Poster Image
WEBSITE

DOGO News

age 9+

Interactive, kid-friendly news source gives kids the scoop.

URL: https://www.dogonews.com/ (2014)
Scholastic Kids Press Poster Image
WEBSITE

Scholastic Kids Press

age 10+

Kid reporters (and readers) get schooled in journalism.

URL: https://kpcnotebook.scholastic.com (2011)
Clarify* by Playbac-Explain the News to your Kids Poster Image
APP

Clarify* by Playbac-Explain the News to your Kids

age 10+

Kids get a brief, daily dose of news; subscription required.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad (2017)
Smithsonian: TweenTribune Poster Image
WEBSITE

Smithsonian: TweenTribune

age 10+

Trustworthy tween news site has cool classroom component.

URL: https://www.tweentribune.com (2012)
The Learning Network Poster Image
WEBSITE

The Learning Network

age 12+

NYTimes blog gives young people fluff-free news, discussion.

URL: https://www.nytimes.com/section/learning (2011)
ScholasticNewsOnline Poster Image
WEBSITE

ScholasticNewsOnline

age 12+

Find articles online from Scholastic's many publications.

URL: https://scholasticnews.scholastic.com/ (2009)
Calling Bull Poster Image
WEBSITE

Calling Bull

age 13+

Nice but limited attempt to teach how to debunk data misuse.

URL: http://callingbull.org (2017)
Ground News Poster Image
APP

Ground News

age 13+

Compare coverage of current events and control for bias.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2020)
HuffPost Teen Poster Image
WEBSITE

HuffPost Teen

age 13+

News for teens by teens, with access to adult topics.

URL: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/teen/ (2012)
Noa: Listen to news articles Poster Image
APP

Noa: Listen to news articles

age 13+

Listen to multiple news sources; be aware of bias.

Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android (2019)
NPR News Poster Image
APP

NPR News

age 13+

Wide-ranging, expanded access to solid radio news programs.