Use Online Kid-Safe Research Tools

The internet is full of information, but not all of it is correct or safe for children. Learning to use trusted, kid-safe research tools helps you find accurate information while staying safe online.

What Makes a Website Kid-Safe and Reliable?

• It is written for children — language is clear and age-appropriate.
• It has a known, trustworthy author: a school, a museum, a science organization, or a library.
• The information is checked by experts before it is published.
• It does not have lots of advertisements or pop-ups trying to sell things.
• It uses a trusted domain: .gov, .edu, .org (or a dedicated children's site).

Recommended Kid-Safe Research Tools

• DKfindout! (dkfindout.com) — encyclopaedia-style facts on science, history, nature, and more.
• National Geographic Kids (kids.nationalgeographic.com) — animals, science, and world topics with photos and videos.
• BBC Bitesize (bbc.co.uk/bitesize) — curriculum-linked articles on all main subjects.
• Britannica Kids (kids.britannica.com) — age-appropriate encyclopedia articles.
• Your public library digital catalog — books and vetted databases.

The Research Note Template

1. Topic: What are you researching? Write the topic clearly.
2. Source: Where did you find the information? Write the website name or book title.
3. Key Fact: What is the most important fact you found? Write it in your own words.
4. My Question: What do you still want to know? Write one question to research next.