Any good media sites for kids? Call me an overprotective mom, but...

[Pacifist Patriot]

my 8 1/2 year old has expressed an interest in following the news. He sat down and read the local paper last night and watched the local news on television this morning. I'm all for encouraging this habit, but I don't want him indoctrinated by the corporate media and infotained into apathy.

I'm afraid he'll abandon this interest if I send him exclusively to media sites intended for adults. Does anyone know if there are websites that provide genuine news geared toward children that isn't purely fluff and fun? Sorry, I'm not quite sure how to express exactly what I'm looking for. Ideas?

Thanks!

[evermind]

1. The bbc do a kids' news page

at http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/

I don't know how much "fluff and fun" you'll find it - I haven't monitored it myself :-) But it may be worth a look. Good luck! Imho one of the most valuable things your child could pick up would be to notice how the coverage can vary from one place to another..

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. You could try the World section of the BBC's 'Newsround'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/world/default.stm

It's been a programme in Britain for about 30 years. Of course, you really need a US equivalent, because your son will want more US news than the BBC is likely to give.

[evilkumquat]

3. My Two Cents

You may be selling your child short if you actively look for "kid-friendly" news sources.

If he is showing his own interest in trying to find out what is going on in the world, he is obviously smarter than average children his own age.

Growing up, I was always a lot smarter than anyone I was around (including most adults), but since adults always treated me as "just a kid", that early advantage I had growing up fizzled out as an adult.

My advice to your son is the same advice I would give to anyone else, regardless of age: stick with the AP sources found on the Internet. While the AP suffers from much of the same apathy as the rest of the media (*cough DSM), at least one can read the news BEFORE it is filtered by local newspaper editors with their own agendas. Plus, if a story is boring, one can always skip to another down the list, or click one of those wonderful banners at the top, side, bottom or conveniently separated pop-up windows.

Remember, like a goldfish, a child's brain will grow to fit its surroundings. They should not be limited by adult's views on what constitutes "kid-friendly".

Evil Kumquat

[Pacifist Patriot]

5. Oh I wouldn't cut him off completely from adult-oriented news.

That's why I said, "exclusively" in my OP. I just don't want him to get overwhelmed and have some other options once in awhile.

[Triana]

4. Bless you for being a parent who cares....

...what news your child watches and for not wanting him to be indoctrinated with the garbage they call news these days. You're a very wise parent, IMO.

[applegrove]

6. Discovery.com But get him to read the newspaper every night and

start helping you with the crossword. Some addictions you want your kids to have. Good on ya!