Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those rare apps that actually delivers on its promise. Kids who 'hate reading' suddenly can't wait to check the daily news. Teachers love it, parents see real literacy gains, and kids report actually enjoying it.

The secret sauce: News-O-Matic treats kids like capable humans who can handle real information, but packages it in a way that's accessible rather than dumbed-down. The multiple reading levels are genius—no kid gets stuck with text that's too hard or feels babyish. The interactive elements (drawing, voting, commenting) give kids agency rather than just passive consumption.

The subscription cost is real, but you're paying for quality journalism, zero ads, and actual educational value. Compare it to the cost of a few books per month, except this updates daily and your kid might actually read it. For families prioritizing literacy and current events awareness, it's worth every penny.

The only limitation: it's designed for elementary-aged kids. Once your child hits middle school and wants deeper analysis or more mature coverage, you'll need to supplement or transition to teen news sources. But for ages 6-12? This is pretty much the gold standard.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-12, with the sweet spot around 7-10. Younger kids (5-6) can use it with parent support, especially with audio narration. By 13+, most kids are ready for teen-focused news sources with more depth, though some may still enjoy the digestible format.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

95

Every article is reviewed by a child psychologist for emotional safety and age-appropriateness. The app presents real-world news in a balanced, non-sensationalized way that empowers rather than frightens. Interactive features like drawing, commenting, and voting encourage positive engagement. The tone is informative and encouraging without being patronizing.

Imaginative

72

While the app focuses on nonfiction news rather than creative storytelling, it does spark curiosity through diverse topics (science, world events, technology, arts) and includes interactive elements like drawing responses, voting on stories, and exploring AR globes. The 'act' buttons encourage kids to take action beyond reading. However, it's fundamentally a consumption experience rather than a creation tool—kids are responding to content rather than building or exploring open-ended ideas.

Safe

98

100% ad-free with kidSAFE certification and a privacy policy that passes Common Sense Media's review (data not sold or used for third-party advertising). Child psychologist reviews ensure no inappropriate content. The subscription model is transparent with clear cancellation options. No user-generated content from strangers—kids can only comment/draw within a moderated environment. The only minor deduction is the subscription cost barrier, but that's actually a safety feature preventing predatory monetization.

Enriching

93

This is a literacy powerhouse. Multiple reading levels (Lexile-based) meet kids where they are, audio narration supports emerging readers, and vocabulary definitions build language skills. The app teaches media literacy through citations and expert interviews. Daily exposure to current events builds critical thinking, global awareness, and civic engagement. Multilingual support (5 languages) expands access. The interactive comprehension questions and quizzes reinforce learning. It's basically designed by educators to hit every learning standard while keeping kids engaged.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Turns reluctant readers into news junkies—multiple parents report their kids finally reading independently and asking for more
Three reading levels mean your 2nd grader and 6th grader can read the same story at their own pace, with audio support for emerging readers
100% ad-free with child psychologist review of every article—no clickbait, no fear-mongering, no surprise trauma
Teaches real media literacy skills with citations, expert interviews, and critical thinking questions—not just 'reading comprehension'
Multilingual support in 5 languages with native speaker translations makes it accessible for bilingual families and language learners

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What to Watch For

Requires ongoing subscription after free trial—budget accordingly (though the lack of ads and high quality justify the cost)
Stories are intentionally brief and digestible; older middle schoolers (12+) may find the depth limited and want supplemental news sources
It's news, so world events can include difficult topics (war, natural disasters, etc.)—though they're presented age-appropriately, you may want to preview or discuss together

Conversation Starters

"What was the most interesting story you read today? What made it stand out?"
"Did you vote on any of the polls? What did you choose and why?"
"Was there anything in the news that surprised you or that you want to learn more about?"
"If you could interview an expert about one of these stories, who would you talk to and what would you ask?"
"How do you think people in other countries might feel about this news story?"

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