From conspiracy theories to radical opinions, it’s safe to say not everyone on the internet is a reliable source of information. One way we can build media literacy and develop lifelong learners is by exposing elementary-aged children to news sources. At the same time, look at the headlines of the New York Times or the Globe and Mail. It’s easy to spot something you wouldn’t want a child reading. That’s why it’s a great idea to introduce children to news sources made especially for younger audiences.

The various websites I’ll explore below have all been made specifically for kids to learn about current events in a more accessible, safe way. But why should we be encouraging younger children to read the news? There are quite a few benefits. All the advantages children gain from reading in general (such as increased focus, vocabulary, and comprehension) apply to reading newspapers, but on top of that, reading the news is a wonderful way to build media literacy skills. By introducing students to more reputable sources, they are more likely to identify fishy or otherwise biased news platforms. Additionally, they’ll learn to stick to more trustworthy sources instead of believing the first link they see on their social media platforms. They will develop the ability to evaluate the quality of the news, which is especially important in today’s world, where misinformation seems to bloom at every step of the way.

Secondarily, the news helps children discover their interests and passions. As I’ll discuss later on, news sources specifically for kids incorporate activities and prompts that may introduce kids to their next big hobby or a social justice issue they’re passionate about. Even better, not only do children increase their connection to the ‘real world’, they also gain a broad knowledge base beyond what they learn in school.

However, just like newspapers for older people, not all “news for kids” sites are equally reputable. Below, you can explore a few of our favourite news sources that have been designed especially for younger audiences.

For the true Canadian: CBC Kids News

CBC’s Kids News is bright, varied, and uses a mix of articles, lists, quizzes, emojis, and photos to report on the news. Although some stories mirror those you might find on the “adult” news, they also make sure they include many more lighthearted stories, such as articles about kids doing great things in their community or the story behind the new commemorative toonies being released. You can also sign up for their newsletter and submit ideas for stories. For the true Canadian, CBC Kids News is a splendid choice.

For more lighthearted activities: Kids Post (offered by the Washington Post)

The KidsPost stays away from heavy headlines and is a brilliant option for elementary students who aren’t ready to be bogged down by the 24-hour cycle of depressing news out there. On KidsPost, you can find lighthearted stories about kids doing cool (or just plain old nice) things, quizzes, book club recommendations, and kid-friendly recipes, like “Banana Pretzel Pops”. Unfortunately, the ads at the bottom of articles aren’t the same way, so you’ll have to make sure children don’t find themselves viewing celebrity “wardrobe mishaps” and other clickbait-like paid promotions.

For an older student who already enjoys reading: NY Times Learning Section

Although not truly a kid’s section (in fact, it’s really more geared towards those teaching kids), the New York Times Learning Section still has a lot to offer for young learners. The Learning Network uses the articles the New York Times produces as opportunities to encourage students to write and think critically about today’s issues. The page also features contests for students, writing prompts, and even a film club. Overall, sophisticated and engaging, just like the adult version, this “kids paper” has lots of activities that might interest a learner.

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