Most kids today aren't "reading the news." They are "encountering content." On apps like Instagram or TikTok, the algorithm doesn't care if a story is true; it only cares if it’s engaging. This means kids are often served the most extreme, scary, or controversial version of an event because that’s what gets the clicks.

We need to move them from being passive consumers to intentional seekers. Here is how to build a healthy "news diet" for every age.

At this age, the goal is "awareness without trauma." You want them to know the world is big and interesting, but you don't need them seeing uncensored war footage.

This is arguably the best "first news app." It treats kids like actual humans who are capable of understanding complex topics (space, tech, international holidays) but keeps the imagery and language age-appropriate. It’s interactive, and they can even write back to the editor.

If you still like the feel of paper, this magazine is a godsend. It covers current events, science, and animals with a very balanced "both sides" approach to political topics. It’s the kind of thing they’ll actually read on the toilet instead of bringing your iPad in there.

While technically a science podcast, Brains On! often tackles "newsy" science topics—like climate change or health—in a way that feels like a conversation rather than a lecture.

Ask our chatbot for more news sources for elementary kids

Middle schoolers are in that weird transition phase. They’re too old for "kiddie" news, but the local news is too boring (and full of pharmaceutical commercials).

This is the MVP of news for the 11-14 age group. Formerly "CNN Student News," it’s a 10-minute daily show hosted by people who actually seem to like kids. It’s fast-paced, uses great visuals, and explains the why behind the headlines. Many teachers play this in homeroom, so your kid might already know it. If they don't, it’s a great "breakfast show."

Even if you aren't Canadian, this site is fantastic. They use "kid reporters" to cover big stories, which makes the news feel more relatable. It’s a great example of how to teach kids journalism.

This is a powerhouse in schools. It takes real-world news stories from major outlets and rewrites them at different reading levels. If your kid is interested in a specific topic—like the latest AI breakthrough—they can read about it at a level that doesn't make their head hurt.

By high school, your kids aren't going to news websites. They are getting their news from creators. This is where things get "low-key" dangerous but also interesting.

Vitus Spehar literally delivers news from under a desk. It’s a gimmick that works. They provide "gentle news" in 60-second bursts, focusing on facts and explaining things in a way that feels like a friend talking to you. It’s a great alternative to the screaming heads on cable news.

DeFranco has been the "news guy" on YouTube for a decade. He’s popular with teens because he covers "internet news" (YouTube drama, influencer scandals) alongside "real news" (politics, world events). He’s generally fair, though he definitely has a POV. It’s a good jumping-off point for discussing media bias with teens.

For the more academic teen, The Daily is the gold standard for deep dives. It’s 20 minutes on one specific topic. It’s great for the car ride to school to spark an actual conversation that isn't just "how was your day?" "fine."

Check out our guide on the best podcasts for teens

We have to talk about AI. We are officially in the era of the "Deepfake." Whether it’s an AI-generated image of a disaster that never happened or a voice-cloned celebrity saying something offensive, our kids are seeing it.

The "SIFT" Method Teach your kids this simple framework from digital literacy expert Mike Caulfield:

If they see a video of a politician saying something "sus," tell them to look for the full video. Usually, it’s just a bad edit.

News today is designed to trigger a "fight or flight" response because that’s what keeps us scrolling. For kids, this can lead to "headline anxiety."

Don’t make it a "lesson." Just ask questions.

When you treat them like a co-investigator rather than a student, they’re much more likely to show you what they’re actually seeing.

Learn more about how to talk to kids about scary news

The "Nightly News" isn't a show anymore; it's a skill. We can't protect our kids from the chaos of the world, but we can give them the goggles to see through the digital smoke. Start with CNN 10, move to UnderTheDeskNews, and always, always question the source.

Ask our chatbot for a personalized news guide for your family