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.

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Habitat for Humanity Poster Image
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Habitat for Humanity

age 8+

Affordable housing charity shows kids how to get involved.

URL: http://www.habitat.org/youthprograms (2012)
National Geographic Education Poster Image
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National Geographic Education

age 8+

Rich resource preps kids to be conscientious citizens.

URL: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/education/ (2013)
National Geographic Kids Poster Image
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National Geographic Kids

age 8+

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

URL: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com (2007)
Free Rice Poster Image
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Free Rice

age 9+

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

URL: https://www.freerice.com (2009)
Kiva Poster Image
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Kiva

age 11+

Micro-loan site gives everyone the chance to help.

URL: http://www.kiva.org (2012)
Peace Corps Kids website artwork with drawing of the Earth
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Peace Corps Kids

age 11+

Peace Corps Challenge fosters understanding and compassion.

URL: https://www.peacecorpskids.com/ (2008)
Girls for a Change Poster Image
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Girls for a Change

age 12+

Nonprofit helps girls become catalysts for social change.

URL: http://www.girlsforachange.org (2009)
The Learning Network Poster Image
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The Learning Network

age 12+

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

URL: https://www.nytimes.com/section/learning (2011)
YourCommonwealth Poster Image
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YourCommonwealth

age 12+

A global community of civic-minded young people.

URL: http://www.yourcommonwealth.org (2012)
Bystander Revolution Poster Image
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Bystander Revolution

age 13+

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

URL: http://www.bystanderrevolution.org/ (2015)
It Gets Better Project Poster Image
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It Gets Better Project

age 13+

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

URL: http://www.itgetsbetter.org (2011)
Smart Girls at the Party Poster Image
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Amy Poehler's Smart Girls

age 13+

Amy Poehler's video site inspires.

URL: https://amysmartgirls.com/ (2013)
TakingITGlobal Poster Image
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TakingITGlobal

age 13+

Excellent resource for activist-minded teens.

URL: http://www.tigweb.org (2009)
Youth Service America Poster Image
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Youth Service America

age 13+

Safe, thorough resource helps kids make a difference.

URL: http://ysa.org/ (2009)
Mobilize.org Poster Image
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Mobilize.org

age 14+

Nonprofit site that empowers Millennials to get involved.

URL: http://mobilize.org/ (2012)
Volunteer Match Poster Image
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Volunteer Match

age 15+

Safe, secure site links teens to volunteer opportunities.

URL: http://volunteermatch.org/ (2009)
DoSomething.org Poster Image
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DoSomething.org

age 16+

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

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