Common Sense Media Review
By Erin Brereton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Ample expert, user content involves some iffy topics.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Videos and Photos
wikiHow
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
Parents say the platform offers reliable, well-reviewed content for various "how-to" queries but has issues with user contributions being misappropriated, where writers report losing credit for their work. While many appreciate the comprehensive instructions and community support, there are concerns regarding inappropriate behavior in forums and the site's suitability for younger children, suggesting a minimum age of 15 or 16 for safe use.
- content theft
- reliable information
- diverse articles
- inappropriate behavior
- age suitability
- community support
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 12 kid reviews
What's It About?
WIKIHOW offers how-to guides that have been written and/or reviewed by subject matter experts and other site users. The articles are listed under categories such as arts and entertainment, cars and other vehicles, family life, and health. Users can also submit requests for guides on certain topics and edit items. Many contain a list of references, a summary, related article links, and responses to user questions. Some have videos or other elements. Articles with a green checkmark have been reviewed by experts such as a lawyer or doctor.
Is It Any Good?
Kids can find dozens of how-to guides on the site on a variety of topics. The team behind wikiHow says it has worked in recent years with content managers, more than 1,000 subject matter experts in various fields, and 30 nonprofit organizations -- ranging from doctors to organizations like the United Nations -- to ensure that the site provides accurate, trustworthy content based on well-established research. Some articles are marked with a green checkmark and the word "expert" to indicate they've been reviewed, and many contain a brief author bio at the end. The developer also says some "silly or inaccurate" content has been moved to other site domains, such as wikihow-fun.com., and the homepage has been reprioritized to include information on actionable ways parents, kids, and everyday users can learn how to navigate the web safely and spot misinformation.
There's definitely some more reliable content now on the site -- but kids can also still come across information that's a bit dicey. Some items touch on subject matter that isn't ideal for a young audience -- topics like "How to Get Drunk Fast," "How to Have Sex Appeal," and "How to Pass a Drug Test on Short Notice," for instance, probably aren't ideal for kids. A number of articles feature clearly written instructions and visuals, and users can post questions, if they have any, to obtain more information. Not every article has been reviewed, though, by an expert. In addition, although the information in many items comes from legitimate publications and organizations, some still refer to more questionable sources. One of the citations in an article about how to get dimples naturally, for example -- which includes somewhat dubious tips such as pressing an indentation into your cheek with a pencil -- references a post an unnamed user made on a message board-type website. Parents may want to have a conversation with kids before they use the site, to explain how to gauge which items are more factual than others -- and then surf wikiHow together to ensure kids don't stumble onto any material that's strictly meant for a mature audience.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about wikiHow using experts to review articles -- and why sites that rely solely on user-contributed content may, by nature, not always be completely reliable sources of information. How can kids know when information is trustworthy and when it isn't? Where can they check their research? (See our tips for using Wikipedia.)
What's a polite way to express a differing thought? If you don't agree, how can you express your opinion in a respectful way?
How can kids respect free speech while using common sense?
Website Details
- Subjects : Language & Reading : discussion , following directions , reading , writing
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : applying information , asking questions , investigation , Self-Direction : personal growth
- Genre : Creating
- Topics : STEM
- Pricing structure : Free
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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