We got two kids to review a new kid-friendly app that mixes current affairs with quizzing
It took us a good 26 years, living in two metros where we survived hand-to-mouth, and two cats to figure why the line between being protective and mollycoddling is a thin one for parents. It’s natural, we know now. With this line of thought, it’s also understandable why parents would keep their children away from the news — it’s almost depressing. But is that reason enough to warrant a childhood that is completely stripped of news?
A new app on the radar, called KidzByte, is trying to find answers to that question. It aims to familiarise children of ages 10 and above with current affairs, through a digital interface that makes use of pictures and illustrations to inform kids about what’s going in the world in an easily consumable format; and to bridge the existing gap in the ethos of Indian news media that does not cater to young minds.
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The app, which was launched in July, provides daily news across eight categories — India and world, fun and learn, education and career, science and discovery, technology and gadgets, health and lifestyle, sports and entertainment, and weird and wacky.
Over and above news articles the app also shares career guidance articles, quizzes, contests and activities that allow kids to gain points that are maintained on a leaderboard to track
their progress.
Two young reviewers give the app a workout.
Myra Pinto, 12 Class VI, Santacruz
What works?
I liked the app because I could understand things easily. If my teacher was trying to teach me all these things, I would have been bored. I loved the health, lifestyle and the technology and gadgets sections. The app can help build English communication skills, too.
What didn’t work?
I couldn’t understand the India and World sections and found the language a little difficult.
What can they add?
I love fashion and I wish they had more information on it. There wasn’t much information or quizzes on make-up. I would have liked that since I aspire to become a fashion designer when I grow up.
Will you use continue using the app?
Yes.
Surya Jayant Hudar, 10 Class V, Navi Mumbai
What works?
It’s an interesting, positive and informative app. I learnt about a bunch of things. I particularly like the Weird and Wacky sections because they had cool material. So, it is informative but funny, too.
What didn’t work?
The India and World sections are a little difficult and they could work on it. However, it is a little like the unseen paragraphs in English worksheets that we work on in school, so when I kept reading the information again, and again I found the answers.
What can they add?
They could include more quizzes and questions because that will encourage us to learn and find
out more.
Will you continue using the app?
Yes.
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