Searching the Web Safely

The internet is a big place, and like any big place, you have to be careful when you’re exploring! Here’s how to stay safe while you’re searching.

Most search engines have a special “Safe Search” filter. When this is turned on, the search engine will hide any websites that are inappropriate for kids. Make sure your Safe Search is always turned on!

Recognizing Ads and Spam

Sometimes, the very first result in a search isn’t the best one. It might be an advertisement. Look for a small “Ad” or “Sponsored” label next to the link. You should also be careful with websites that have strange-looking names. These might be “spam” sites that are trying to trick you.

Is This Site Trustworthy?

Just because a website appears in your search results doesn’t mean everything on it is true or safe. Here are some tips to see if a site is a good place to visit:

Check the URL: Look at the web address at the top of the browser. Does it look like a real name (like nationalgeographic.com), or is it a bunch of random letters and numbers? Safe sites usually have simple, easy-to-read names.
Look for an “About Us” Page: Trustworthy websites usually have a page that tells you who they are and why they made the site.
Is it Updated? Check if the information looks new. If a site hasn’t been updated in many years, the information might not be correct anymore.

Choosing Smart Keywords

Using the right words in your search can help you find safe websites faster.

Be Specific: Instead of just searching for “dogs,” try “how to take care of a puppy.” This helps the search engine find exactly what you need without showing you things you don’t want.
Add “for kids”: If you’re looking for information for a school project, adding “for kids” to your search (like “planets for kids”) can help you find websites that are easier to read and safer to use.

What to Do About Pop-ups

Sometimes while you’re searching, a small window might suddenly appear on your screen. This is called a pop-up.

Don’t Click: Many pop-ups are advertisements or tricks to get you to download something you don’t need. They might even try to scare you with a fake “warning” message.
Close It: Look for a small “X” in the top corner of the pop-up to close it. If you can’t find the “X,” or if the pop-up won’t go away, ask an adult for help right away.
Never Download Anything Alone: If a website asks you to “Download” or “Install” something, always ask a parent or teacher first.

Staying Private

When you’re searching the web, remember that you are a guest on someone else’s website. Never give out your real name, home address, phone number, or the name of your school to a website unless you have a parent or teacher with you.

Asking for Help

If you ever see something on the internet that makes you feel uncomfortable or confused, don’t try to handle it yourself. Talk to a parent, teacher, or another trusted adult right away. They can help you understand what you’re seeing and make sure you stay safe.

Did you know?

Kid-Safe Search Engines: There are actually search engines just for kids, like Kiddle! These search engines only show websites that are safe and easy for children to read.
Privacy Search: Some search engines, like DuckDuckGo, don’t store your search history, which means they can’t track what you’ve been looking for.
The First Search Engine: The very first search engine was called Archie, and it was created in 1990! It helped people find files before the World Wide Web even existed.

Check Your Knowledge

What is a “Safe Search” filter and why is it important for kids?
How can you tell if a search result is an advertisement?
What are two things you can look for to see if a website is trustworthy?
What should you do if a pop-up window suddenly appears on your screen?
Why is it a good idea to add “for kids” to your search keywords?

Computer Studies for Kids