KidzSearch
KidzSearch is a child-oriented search engine and educational web portal, launched in 2005.[1] The service uses the Google Programmable Search Engine to deliver search results that are filtered through proprietary keyword and domain blocking to ensure child safety.[2] KidzSearch operates independently and is not affiliated with Google LLC.[3]
| Available in | English |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2005 |
| Owner | KidzSearch.com |
| Commercial | Yes |
| Current status | Active |
Beyond search, KidzSearch hosts a moderated discussion forum, a child-friendly encyclopedia, educational videos, and online games. Its goal is to provide an all-in-one environment where children can explore the internet in a safe, moderated space.[4]
Services
KidzTalk
KidzTalk is a moderated question-and-answer style social platform for children, powered by the Question2Answer content management system.[5] All submissions, private messages, and profile edits are reviewed by moderators to prevent the sharing of personal data or inappropriate content before publication.[6] As of 2025, KidzTalk has recorded more than 70,000 questions, 315,000 answers, and 350,000 comments.[7]
KidzSearch Encyclopedia
The KidzSearch Encyclopedia imports and adapts content from Simple English Wikipedia and other educational sources for easier reading by children.[8] Editing access is restricted to staff to prevent vandalism or the publication of unverified content. As of 2025, it contains more than 200,000 articles. The encyclopedia runs on the open-source MediaWiki software platform.
KidzTube and Games
KidzTube provides curated educational videos from YouTube, similar in scope to YouTube Kids. Registered users can suggest videos and comment, subject to moderator approval.[9]KidzSearch Games offers a directory of more than 100,000 web-based games embedded from educational and entertainment sources.[10]
Academic and Educational Use
KidzSearch has been referenced in numerous educational and academic publications as an example of a child-friendly search and filtering tool. The Perkins School for the Blind recommended KidzSearch for its accessibility features for young users with visual impairments.[3] It is featured in classroom guides such as We Are Teachers, 21Things4Students, and the University of New Mexico Libraries educational resources for safe searching.[2][11][12]
In academia, KidzSearch has been mentioned in studies of online search literacy, filtering technologies, and child-centered information behavior. These include publications and reports from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the U.S. Indian Health Service, and peer-reviewed journals such as Issues and Trends in Learning Technologies and Cybrarians Journal.[13][14][15][16]
International research papers, including those from the University of Zürich and the Valparaiso University Faculty of Education, have cited KidzSearch when analyzing youth interaction with search engines and digital safety platforms.[17][18][19]
Media Reception
The Wall Street Journal referenced KidzSearch in its coverage of media literacy and online research habits among students.[20]ABC 4 Utah and The Telegraph have discussed KidzSearch in reports about safe searching for children.[21][22] In addition, the site is frequently listed among leading kid-friendly search engines by mainstream and educational media such as SplashLearn, VMblog, and UNICEF.[23][24][25] Common Sense Media praised the platform’s safety focus but noted that it contained a high number of advertisements in search results.[4]
See also
References
- ↑ KidzSearch.com - Official site
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Search Engines for Kids – We Are Teachers.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Kid-Friendly Search Engines and Accessibility – Perkins School for the Blind.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Common Sense Media Review of KidzSearch.com
- ↑ KidzTalk – KidzSearch
- ↑ KidzTalk Frequently Asked Questions
- ↑ Categories – KidzTalk
- ↑ KidzSearch Encyclopedia About Page
- ↑ KidzTube – KidzSearch Video
- ↑ Free Online Games for Kids – KidzSearch
- ↑ 21Things4Students – Safe Searching with KidzSearch
- ↑ University of New Mexico Library Guides – Kid-Safe Search Engines
- ↑ NSF Publication: Collaborative Query Sessions with Kids
- ↑ Indian Health Service – National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2019
- ↑ University of Arizona – Issues and Trends in Learning Technologies
- ↑ Cybrarians Journal: Children's Online Search Behavior
- ↑ Valparaiso University – Education Faculty Publications
- ↑ Zürich University of Applied Sciences – Young Children and Digital Technology, 2019
- ↑ Boise State University – Graduate Student Showcase 2018
- ↑ Wall Street Journal – "Most Students Don't Know When News Is Fake."
- ↑ ABC 4 – "How to Get the Most Accurate Search Results."
- ↑ The Telegraph – "Cyber Safety: How Protected Are Your Children Online."
- ↑ SplashLearn – Best Search Engines for Kids
- ↑ VMblog – Untangle Releases NG Firewall 15.0
- ↑ UNICEF – 5 Ways to Protect Your Young Child Online