Search engines for use at KS2

Most 'adult' search engines, (eg. Yahoo, Altavista etc.) are inappropriate for this activity because they return responses to searches for undesirable subject matter. Even though the vast majority of undesirable links will be inaccessible via the school's Internet connection, the text returned by the search engine in response to the search could prove bad enough to cause disruption to the class and/or embarrassment to the teacher. Even a child with the most innocent of intentions can stumble across such material by inadvertently searching for an obscure euphemism; it has happened! We strongly suggest that search engines are tested for suitability. Searching for "XXX" usually yields a reliable indication.

Unit 6D refers to using sophisticated AND and OR searches. Whilst most 'adult ' search engines support advanced searches, the children's versions do not. Most 'adult' search engines also offer a 'search UK sites only' option which is particularly useful. To date we have not identified a children's search engine which offers this facility.

Some suggestions