Kiddle, the kid friendly search engine, has been making the rounds in Facebook mom groups again this week. I love the idea of giving kids a safer way to search online.
Let’s face it, Google is packed with all kinds of internet junk just waiting to pop up in search results. I started digging into Kiddle and found a few things every parent should know before letting their kids loose on it.
We first reviewed Kiddle back in 2016, but since this topic is still trending, Digital Mom Blog is giving it a fresh 2025 update with the latest information parents need.
Kiddle is a Safe Visual Search Engine for Kids
Kiddle is a kid-friendly visual search engine that makes exploring the internet fun and safe for children. With its bright, colorful design, big thumbnails, and simple layout, Kiddle is easy for young users to navigate.
It uses strong filtering to keep search results age-appropriate, giving kids the freedom to discover and learn online while helping parents breathe a little easier.
Here are important things to know before trusting Kiddle to deliver search results to your kids.
If Google Had a Kid Friendly User Interface
The first thing that stands out about Kiddle is the kid-friendly user interface. The interface hasn’t changed much since 2016, unlike Google! With a friendly logo, simple form field box for searching with several search options:
- Web – this is the default Kiddle search option.
- Facts – search facts using Kiddle’s kid encyclopedia
- Images – kid-friendly version of Google images
- Kimages – images found in Kiddle’s encyclopedia
- Español – search Kiddle for español search engine results
In addition to kid-friendly search options, Kiddle uses big thumbnails and large Arial font for better readability for kids.
Kiddle does not collect any personally identifable information. Read their full privacy statement.
One thing to note, Kiddle’s URL is kiddle.co NOT kiddle.com. Kiddle spins this by saying the .CO stands for children only. It looks like a domain squatter is sitting on Kiddle.com.
Not Owned By Google
One of the main posts about this over on Scary Mommy stated that Kiddle was a search engine launched by Google. While the colors maybe Googley Unfortunately, this is wrong.
Kiddle USES a custom Google search, but no – sorry folks this isn’t a new product from Google (though GOOGLE should so get on this! YouTube Kids is huge – What about a Google Kids?) The domain was registered at GoDaddy.
Visual Search Engine for Kids
To make this website kid-friendly, Kiddle has made it’s search visual. Each search brings back images from the search results. This makes “Kiddling” easy for kids to identify what they want to click on after they search.
How Kiddle Search Works
Kiddle is a visual search engine designed just for kids, with online safety front and center. When your child uses Kiddle, the search results are carefully organized to make sure they’re seeing content that’s safe, easy to understand, and age-appropriate. Here’s how it works:
Kid Specific Content
Kiddle safe sites and pages are written specifically for kids. The results, typical 1-3 – are handpicked and checked by Kiddle’s editors.
The search results are either handpicked by their editors or filtered by Google safe search to deliver kid-oriented search results without explicit content.
Kid-Accessible Content
Next up (usually results 4 to 7) are trusted sites that may not be created just for kids but are written in clear, simple language. These are also reviewed by Kiddle’s editors, making them great resources for curious young minds.
Expert Content For ADults
Results from 8 and beyond include safe, reputable sites aimed at adults. These pages contain expert information that may be more advanced, but they’re filtered through Google Safe Search to ensure they’re appropriate for kids to view.
Filtered Through Google Safe Search
Since all Kiddle search results are either reviewed by editors or filtered through Google Safe Search, you can feel confident that the content your child sees will be suitable for them.
If your child tries to search for an inappropriate word or phrase, Kiddle’s guard robot steps in and blocks the search completely.
SEO For Kiddle
If you have a kid focused website and want to rank on Kiddle.co, here what you need to know. Kiddle SEO is essentially using the same practices you would for ranking on Google, but with safe search in mind.
Since Kiddle pulls it’s results from Google safe search, you should build your website and content in a manner that is in line with Google Search Essentials document, with a focus on it’s safe search.
Advertising on Kiddle
Kiddle does display ads, which are clearly marked and appear mostly at the top of search results. These ads are filtered through Google SafeSearch to ensure they are appropriate for kids.
Parents should know that while ads help keep Kiddle free to use, the content of these ads is screened to avoid anything unsuitable for younger audiences. That said, there could always be issues and yes – your kids are being exposed to advertising. Welcome to the “free web.”
Uh Oh, What Did They Just Google?
Are you worries about what your kids are Googling? Kiddle maybe your answer! While I originally wrote this post back in 2016, I went back and re-searched terms to update this post to see what has evolved with Kiddle.
Originally, I couldn’t search “chicken breast.” Kiddle has updated it’s search algorithm so now when searching chicken breast – you get a visual representation of actual relatable search results.
I searched “chicken breast” which I could see potentially being a phrase that a 7th grade boy would search for – and this is what they would get back. “Oops, looks like your query contained some bad words. Please try again!”
Not Fool Proof
Of course, in an ideal world I could let me kids search to their hearts content without worry – but not in the world we live in today. Nothing is full-proof.
Back in 2016, when I searched for the below – this shows the progression of Kiddle search results.
I did have a jolly fun typing all kinds of graphic things that I am sure I will now get lewd ads for all.
LGBTQ Is No Longer Gated
I’m happy to report that Kiddle has evolved positively in regards to certain social topics since initially writing this in 2016. Back in 2016, Kiddle blocked LGTBQ content.
If you try searching for a term that is LGBTQ related, you will be prompted with a graphic stating:
“You have entered an LGBTQ related search query. Please realize that while Kiddle has nothing against the LGBTQ community, it’s hard to guarantee the safety of all the search results for such queries. We recommend that you talk to your parent or guardian about such topics.”
Now there are LGTBQ search results that are kid friendly and vetted.
Report Inappropriate Content and Websites to Kiddle
f you find inappropriate content while using Kiddle, it is important to report it to help keep the search engine safe for kids.
To report an issue with Kiddle search:
Kiddle’s team uses this feedback to review and update their filters, helping to maintain a secure and family-friendly search experience.
Kiddle.co FAQ
Have questions about Kiddle.co? You’re not alone. This popular visual search engine for kids is designed to keep young internet users safe while helping them explore and learn.
Below, we’re answering some of the most common questions parents have about using Kiddle with their children.
Is Kiddle safe for kids?
Kiddle is designed as a safe search engine with filters to block profanity and inappropriate content.
What kind of content does Kiddle show?
It provides kid-friendly web, image, and video search results that are editor-vetted, making it suitable for children.
How does Kiddle filter search results?
Kiddle uses Google’s safe search technology but adds its own manual filters and tweaks to ensure child-appropriate content.
Is Kiddle associated with Google?
While Kiddle is Google-based, it is not owned or operated by Google. It simply leverages Google technology with its own modifications.
What age group is Kiddle designed for?
Kiddle primarily targets children aged 3 to 12, helping them access content safely and independently.
Can Kiddle block all inappropriate content?
Although designed to be very safe, no system is perfect. Occasionally, questionable results may slip through.
Overall Thoughts
Overall, we need more kid friendly websites and less toxic on the internet and this is an honest (but not perfect) effort.
For any parents who are looking to introduce the internet to your kid, Kiddle is a great way to allow your kids to search for kid-friendly content without fearing what they will stumble upon!
