Sites That Help Kids Do Good

Watch out, world: Today's kids know social media and they aren't afraid to use it. But it may not be what you think. From anti-cyberbullying campaigns to fundraisers for important causes to marches that call attention to national issues, kids are using sites, apps, and other tech to promote social responsibility, community service, and global awareness. Sure, online life still has some pitfalls, but plenty of kids are bypassing the kind of negativity many parents fear and actively trying to make the world a better place -- with a few clicks, well-timed posts, and inspirational messages. They are digital natives, after all. What role can parents play to keep the positivity going? Support them, stay involved, and keep them using tools that help them channel their energy for good. Kids can give to charity, contribute to anti-bullying efforts, and help end hunger, among other activities with the resources below. And see more ways to do good online such as fighting cyberbulling and playing games and apps that promote empathy.

Filter by:
WEBSITE

Habitat for Humanity

age 8+

Affordable housing charity shows kids how to get involved.

URL: http://www.habitat.org/youthprograms (2012)
WEBSITE

National Geographic Education

age 8+

Rich resource preps kids to be conscientious citizens.

URL: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/education/ (2013)
WEBSITE

National Geographic Kids

age 8+

Lots of educational content, but stuffed with ads, promos.

URL: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com (2007)
WEBSITE

WebRangers

age 8+

Super nature-related games, puzzles, activities.

URL: http://www.nps.gov/webrangers/ (2007)
WEBSITE

Free Rice

age 9+

Learning and ending hunger, a few grains of rice at a time.

URL: https://www.freerice.com (2009)
WEBSITE

Kiva

age 11+

Micro-loan site gives everyone the chance to help.

URL: http://www.kiva.org (2012)
WEBSITE

PeaceCorps.gov/kids

age 11+

Peace Corps Challenge fosters understanding and compassion.

URL: http://www.peacecorps.gov/kids/ (2008)
WEBSITE

Girls for a Change

age 12+

Nonprofit helps girls become catalysts for social change.

URL: http://www.girlsforachange.org (2009)
WEBSITE

The Learning Network

age 12+

NYTimes blog gives young people fluff-free news, discussion.

URL: https://www.nytimes.com/section/learning (2011)
WEBSITE

YourCommonwealth

age 12+

A global community of civic-minded young people.

URL: http://www.yourcommonwealth.org (2012)
WEBSITE

Bystander Revolution

age 13+

Anti-bullying site is noble, limited by YouTube reliance.

URL: http://www.bystanderrevolution.org/ (2015)
WEBSITE

It Gets Better Project

age 13+

LGBTQ site offers teens advice on how to cope with bullying.

URL: http://www.itgetsbetter.org (2011)
WEBSITE

Amy Poehler's Smart Girls

age 13+

Amy Poehler's video site inspires.

URL: https://amysmartgirls.com/ (2013)
WEBSITE

SPARK

age 13+

Nonprofit site fights the media's objectification of girls.

URL: http://www.sparkmovement.org/ (2012)
WEBSITE

TakingITGlobal

age 13+

Excellent resource for activist-minded teens.

URL: http://www.tigweb.org (2009)
WEBSITE

That's Not Cool

age 13+

Tackles digital dating abuse with videos appealing to teens.

URL: http://www.thatsnotcool.com (2009)
WEBSITE

Youth Service America

age 13+

Safe, thorough resource helps kids make a difference.

URL: http://ysa.org/ (2009)
WEBSITE

Mobilize.org

age 14+

Nonprofit site that empowers Millennials to get involved.

URL: http://mobilize.org/ (2012)
WEBSITE

Volunteer Match

age 15+

Safe, secure site links teens to volunteer opportunities.

URL: http://volunteermatch.org/ (2009)
WEBSITE

DoSomething.org

age 16+

Not-for-profit site encourages and supports youth action.

URL: http://dosomething.org (2012)