AP News – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

AP News

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

app2010

68%

WISE Score

4.6

App Store

The gold standard of news apps—no ads, no spin, just Pulitzer-winning journalism your teen should probably be reading instead of TikTok.

AP News

app

Everyone 10+, 2010

68%

WISE Score

4.6

App Store

The gold standard of news apps—no ads, no spin, just Pulitzer-winning journalism your teen should probably be reading instead of TikTok.

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Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

AP News is the news app you want your teen using—it's the real deal, with no algorithmic manipulation, no ads, and no rage-bait headlines designed to keep them scrolling. Just straight journalism from one of the most trusted sources in the world.

That said, news is heavy. War, climate disasters, political conflict, crime—it's all here, reported factually but not softened for young audiences. This isn't a kids' news app like Newsela or PBS NewsHour Extra. If your 11-year-old wants to read the news, you'll need to be involved, curating stories and talking through what they're seeing.

For high schoolers, though? This is gold. In a world where most teens get their news from TikTok influencers and Instagram infographics, having AP News on their phone is a quiet act of rebellion. It teaches them to think critically, understand nuance, and engage with the world beyond their feed. Just make sure they're emotionally ready for what they'll find.

Age Fit

Best for teens 13+ who are ready to engage with real-world news and current events. Tweens 10-12 can use it with parental guidance and curation. Not appropriate for younger kids—the content isn't filtered for children and includes mature themes.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

AP News delivers straightforward, fact-based journalism without sensationalism or emotional manipulation. The tone is professional and measured, modeling critical thinking and informed citizenship. However, real-world news inherently includes difficult topics—violence, disasters, political conflict—that can be emotionally heavy, especially for younger readers. The app doesn't filter or soften content for kids, so exposure depends entirely on parental guidance.

Imaginative

This is a news app—it reports facts, not stories designed to spark imagination. There's no creative expression, world-building, or exploration. The curated content hubs and award-winning photography offer some visual interest and deeper context, but the format is inherently passive consumption of information rather than interactive or creative engagement.

Safe

AP News is a reputable, ad-free news source with no manipulative monetization, no social features, no user-generated content, and no data harvesting beyond basic app functionality. The 'kids mode' is available, which is a positive signal. However, news content itself can include disturbing imagery, descriptions of violence, and mature themes that aren't filtered for children. It's safe in terms of app design and privacy, but parents need to actively curate what their kids see.

Enriching

AP News is among the most credible journalism sources available, offering Pulitzer Prize-winning reporting, live coverage, and content in both English and Spanish. For older kids and teens, it's an excellent tool for developing media literacy, understanding current events, and engaging with the world beyond their immediate bubble. The AP's commitment to fact-based reporting without editorial spin makes it a gold standard for news consumption.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

AP News is one of the most credible, fact-based news sources available—no editorial spin, no sensationalism, just reporting
Completely ad-free with no manipulative features, in-app purchases, or social components
Offers content in English and Spanish, plus award-winning photography and curated content hubs for deeper dives
Excellent tool for teaching media literacy and helping teens understand current events beyond social media headlines
Kids mode available for more controlled access

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What to Watch For

News is news—this includes war, disasters, crime, and political conflict that can be disturbing or overwhelming, especially for younger kids
No content filtering for children; you'll need to actively guide what they read and discuss difficult topics together
Can feel dry or overwhelming for kids who aren't yet news-literate or interested in current events

Conversation Starters

"What story did you find most interesting today? Why do you think it matters?"
"How does this news source compare to what you see on TikTok or Instagram? What's different about how they tell stories?"
"If you were a journalist covering this story, what questions would you want to ask?"
"How do you think people in other countries might see this news differently?"

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