Parents' Guide to Xyza: News for Kids

The articles on this well-written site are specifically written for kids -- and some are actually written by kids. The site has a Junior Reporter Program that encourages readers to submit articles, photos, videos, or audio recordings. Kids will see many photos on the site, but there's definitely more written content than videos. The articles are generally a manageable length -- not too short to lack information, and not so long they'd lose kids' interest -- and they're written in a tone that's conversational and appealing, with headlines like, "Holy Iceberg, Batman! What Do We Do Now?" A few of the articles aren't what you might consider hard-hitting news: a collection of funny wildlife photos, for example, or a Junior Reporter Program submission about a Pokémon character. The site's written content also doesn't feature a lot of interactive elements, which could help make it more engaging. But most articles involve thought-provoking takes on topics that should interest kids, ranging from the iPhone turning 10 to why the U.S. president pardons a turkey each Thanksgiving. Some feature pop-up definitions of potentially unfamiliar terms, like "Paris Climate Agreement," which can help kids navigate the news. Some stories may leave younger readers with questions -- such as an article about a study on the physical effects of being in space that mentions an astronaut who returned from space with altered chromosomes but doesn't explain what chromosomes are.

Kids can view a few items for free but will eventually be told they need to subscribe to see more; while the cost isn't too hefty -- roughly $3 a month with an annual subscription -- that could be a deterrent for some parents. But being able to use the site as a regular news source can be beneficial; it will keep kids informed about some current events and could inspire them to seek out additional information about a variety of topics, without accidentally stumbling on graphic photos, articles, or videos meant for adults. A subscription also lets kids select topics to create a customized page that showcases their areas of interest when they log in. That helps personalize the experience and may keep them interested in coming back to the site -- which can be a big plus if it encourages them to make seeking out information about the world around them a habit.