Whether at home or on the go, families can access the same trusted, educational content from PBS KIDS in video or game form – anytime, anywhere. Families are in the driver seat when using the free apps below. Parents and caregivers can trust that when kids watch or play PBS KIDS they are using safe, non-violent, non-commercial, educational technology to learn.
PBS KIDS Video App
The FREE PBS KIDS Video app let’s kids watch their favorite PBS KIDS shows anytime, anywhere! Stream the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel on the app or tap the “LIVE TV” button to watch what’s airing on WXXI live! The app provides a safe, child-friendly viewing experience. Most recently, the app also provides access to the newest PBS KIDS content: PODCASTS! PBS KIDS podcasts bring your favorite shows and characters to life in audio form.
PBS KIDS Games App
The PBS KIDS Games app makes learning fun and safe with amazing mini-games featuring your favorite PBS KIDS friends like Daniel Tiger, Wild Kratts, Donkey Hodie, Alma’s Way, and more! Hundreds of free educational games designed for kids 2-8 – built to engage, educate, and have fun without taking kids away from real-life experiences. These educational games give kids a space to play and learn using skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, and more!
Trusted Media Helpers
We know the technology world can be a little (or a lot!) overwhelming. Here are a few trusted tools to help can help parents and caregivers make the most informed media and technology decisions for young kids:
Common Sense Media is a hub that can be used to check if media (movies, apps, games, TV/YouTube shows) is appropriate. Common Sense Media “offers families well-researched guidance, age-based ratings, and expert reviews”. Click the link and then type in the media you’re looking to check (i.e. “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood”) and read the results – age appropriateness, evaluations and reviews from experts and parents, descriptions, checks for language/violence/inappropriate topics, and more. They also have a helpful Family Tech Planner to guide families in creating healthy media habits.
5 C’s of Media are a set of media questions and suggestions for families with young children, created* by the American Academy of Pediatrics (and adopted by many other trusted organizations, such as Zero to Three). Not only does it matter what a child is watching or consuming, but each of the 5 C’s reference different pieces of the media puzzle that help parents and caregivers decide what’s appropriate for each child. The 5 C’s are: child, content, calm, crowding out, and communication. The 5 C’s provide parents and caregivers with a way to reflect on media habits and come up with a Family Media Plan that works for their own family.
*The 5 C’s expand upon the 3 C’s developed by Lisa Guernsey in her book, The Three Cs: Content, Context, and Your Child in 2016.