Includes Recommended Kid-Friendly News Sources.
Start with Age-Appropriate News Sources
Finding news that’s tailored to young readers is key to sparking their interest. Child-friendly news sources simplify complex topics, use language that’s easy to understand, and often focus on positive, engaging stories.
Platforms like Time for Kids or What’s Up (a Singapore-based newspaper for kids) introduce current events in ways that are easy for kids to understand and relate to, making the news feel engaging and relevant to their world.
These resources provide a foundation for curiosity, helping kids build an early understanding of current affairs. Starting with age-appropriate content allows them to ease into news at a comfortable level. Twinkl’s newsroom is another great option, offering accessible and kid-friendly news.
Use Podcasts or Audiobooks for an Audio Experience
If your child prefers listening over reading, try tuning into the news on the radio or exploring podcasts with them. Audio versions of news stories can make complex topics easier to understand and keep them engaged.
Podcasts like Channel News Asia’s Deep Dive offer weekly audio updates that present top stories in a light-hearted, conversational format, making it easier for younger listeners to engage with. Moreover, listening to the news together as a family not only helps your child stay informed but also creates a space for open discussions on what’s happening around the world.
Educational or knowledge podcast also enhances language skills, expand vocabulary, and improve comprehension—skills that will serve them well in school. Regularly tuning into them can foster a lifelong habit of curiosity, helping kids become more well-rounded and thoughtful learners.
Podcasts that your family and kids can start with:
- But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids (Spotify) – This engaging podcast dives into a wide range of topics that spark children’s curiosity, answering questions they’re eager to explore.
- Smash Boom Best (Spotify) – A funny, smart debate show for kids and families
Make It Visual with Videos and News Clips
For kids who prefer watching over reading, start with video-based news sources. Get your kids started with bite-size news on and
For kids who lean toward watching rather than reading, introduce them to video-based news sources. Bite-sized, visually engaging news segments can make learning about the world feel less like a chore.
Start with MeWatch – English News Update where children can get a quick overview of local and international news, presented in a straightforward and age-appropriate manner. If your kids understand Mandarin, explore MeWatch – 8world News Digital Exclusive, which provides concise news segments to improve language skills while staying informed.
These formats help children engage with the news at their own pace and can even lead to discussions at the family table, encouraging them to think critically about the events around them.
Focus on Topics They Love
If your child loves animals, science, or geography, start with news stories in those areas. Kids are more likely to get interested in reading when they see news tied to their passions or interest.
- National Geographic Kids: Animal, Science, History, Geography
- Dogo News: Current events, Environment, Social Studies, Science
- Youngzine: Global events, Climate Science
- ScienceNewsExplores: Life, Human, Earth, Space, Tech
Connect Current Events to Real-World Lessons
Kids often find it hard to connect with news when it feels too distant. Help them see how certain events affect real people or even their own lives. For example, discuss how local events like new MRT lines or environmental initiatives impact their daily routine or community.
Highlight relatable stories about young Singaporeans making a difference or explore global issues, like climate change, by explaining how they influence Singapore’s weather.
Kids are also often interested in technology, hence news about Singapore’s efforts in AI or robotics can be more engaging. You can relate these innovations to what they’re learning in school, like coding or robotics classes, making the concepts feel accessible and inspiring.
These conversations offer valuable lessons in civic responsibility, environmental care, and resilience, while inspiring kids to think about how they can make a positive impact in their own community and beyond.
Start with Stories Closer to Home
Begin with news stories that are local and relatable. News about Singapore’s community issues or events in the “heartlands” can make a bigger impact on kids, as they recognize familiar places and people, making them more likely to care and engage.
For Primary School children, The Straits Times Little Red Dot, a subscription-based weekly newspaper for primary students, is a great resource. With its photos, illustrations, and graphics, it’s designed to capture kids’ interest and make news accessible.
When covering global stories, try connecting them to Singapore’s context. For instance, if there’s news on pollution overseas, link it to Singapore’s haze season and explore how different countries address similar challenges.
Local issues, like recycling initiatives or single-use plastic policies, are also great discussion starters. Ask for their opinions on these topics and brainstorm ways Singapore could become even more sustainable.
Bridge News with School Subjects for a Holistic Perspective
Incorporate current events into their school subjects. News stories are often rich resources for math, science, or even moral education, helping children understand that what they learn in school isn’t isolated from the real world.
Find child-friendly news, for instance, the planting of trees around Singapore. These stories tie into science lessons on animals, plants, and ecosystems.
For older kids, stories about Singapore’s economy or the GST can make math lessons on percentages or budgeting more relevant. This approach also makes learning more practical, helping kids apply their academic knowledge to the world around them.
Limit Exposure to Negative News
News can be overwhelming for kids, so steer them toward positive stories that focus on solutions. Choose uplifting stories about people making a difference, such as young inventors or activists, to inspire them. This approach helps prevent kids from feeling anxious about current events and keeps their experience with news engaging and optimistic.
Getting your kids interested in news is more than just keeping them informed—it’s about helping them understand the world they live in and find their place within it. By sharing news stories in a way they can relate to, you’re not only building their knowledge but also encouraging their curiosity and awareness of real issues.
These conversations at home can grow into meaningful family moments where kids feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their own thoughts. Over time, you’re helping them build the confidence to think for themselves and develop a sense of social responsibility.
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