Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Stages
  3. Activities
  4. Evergreens

10 interesting Twitter accounts safe for preteens to follow

By
Add as a preferred source on Google

Social media certainly has its benefits and its drawbacks. And when it comes to letting your tween use these digital platforms and apps, you have to use your best judgment as an involved parent — because, while your kiddo may enjoy sharing stories and socializing with friends, they are definitely not as adept at identifying bullying or predatory behavior online.

Most forms of social media are guilty of causing angst among youngsters. So, it’s always a good idea to start it slowly and gradually. Introduce your curious older kiddo to Twitter and follow some safe, engaging, and fun accounts that post interesting content. In that vein, it can become a vessel for learning. You will, of course, still want to do your due diligence and monitor your child’s online actions, but as long as the rules are clear, you can feel good allowing them to dip their toes in the vast World Wide Web of information. Here are a few Twitter accounts they will enjoy.

tween researching on cell phone
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What Twitter accounts are safe for kids?

When helping your tween navigate Twitter, be sure that they are following legitimate accounts. While you’re initially trying to figure it out, stick to larger companies, YA authors, and news or media sites geared toward children. The blue-verified checkmark means Twitter has vetted the account to be authentic and active. However, that does not necessarily mean the content posted will always be age-appropriate.

Recommended Videos

Accounts for kids interested in science

Science-loving kids will find a lot to learn from these accounts.

@NASA

#TeachableMoment alert: Look up on the morning of May 26 to see a total lunar eclipse and #supermoon! Find out how it all works, what to expect & how to get students engaged, here: https://t.co/SBYIlsmdva#LunarEclipse pic.twitter.com/AEcKpkDcjN

— NASAJPL Edu (@NASAJPL_Edu) May 25, 2021

Space is fascinating and completely mind-boggling. NASA’s Twitter account embraces the mystery and magic for its 46 million-plus followers. They share live launches, incredible photos, and quirky facts about astronaut life. Moreover, there are spinoff accounts for different niches, locations, and interests. For example, @NASAspaceplace shares immersive games and activities for followers.

@AMNH

When insects that hatch from the stream fly toward the light, they become tangled in the lines. Like an angler feeling a tug, the glowworm then reels in & eats its catch!

Learn more in the upcoming special exhibition Creatures of Light, opening on 6/2!: https://t.co/j3dwSkkKzQ

— American Museum of Natural History (@AMNH) May 26, 2021

The American Museum of Natural History takes advantage of the full character count allowed in each of its thoughtful, educational tweets. With exhibit photos, in-depth facts, and catchy prose, this account is great for history buffs, nature lovers, and dinosaur-obsessed kiddos. Of course, there are also lots of live streams and engaging article link-outs.

For kids interested in reading

Does your child always have a book in their hands (or an e-reader?) These are the Twitter accounts for them.

@Scholastic

Dive into these books by South Asian creators to go on superhero adventures, discover the secrets of the djinn, and more! https://t.co/iFjSl8nOyi pic.twitter.com/joFt1sx3QR

— Scholastic (@Scholastic) May 24, 2021

Got a voracious and enthusiast reader on your hands? Or, perhaps you have a reticent one at home? Either way, follow Scholastic for lots of book news and reviews geared for your tweens and younger kiddos. While this account is perhaps even better for parents, it’s a great way to get kids excited about new releases — and enjoy some shout-outs from favorite book characters. (FYI, following all the big children’s book publishers is a great idea for these very same reasons!)

Also consider having your child follow their favorite authors (i.e., Jeff Kinney aka @wimpykid, @judyblume, @jencalonita, etc.)

mother and daughter on tablet
Alena Ozerova/Shutterstock

Accounts for kids interested in current events/general news

Finding reliable news sources can be tricky, particularly if you’re looking for ones age-appropriate for teens. These Twitter accounts are all safe.

@TheWeekJuniorUS

THIS DAY IN HISTORY: On May 21, 1881, the American @RedCross was founded by Clara Barton, a nurse who cared for soldiers during the Civil War (1861–1865). Her goal for the Red Cross was to help those affected by natural disasters and war. pic.twitter.com/OerJvKPw5z

— The Week Junior US (@theweekjuniorus) May 21, 2021

Are you familiar with the news site The Week? Well, The Week Junior offers equally compelling stories with a kid-friendly approach and age-appropriate angles. Its Twitter account features interesting perspectives on current events to keep kids engaged and knowledgeable about what’s happening around them. This account is still relatively small, but it is full of fun facts, cool tips, and clickable polls.

@IAmKidPresident

Looking to start a service project with your classroom, family, or other community?

These free resources were developed by educators and inspired by the new book, The Circles All Around Us:https://t.co/7FXb9SsFW9 pic.twitter.com/gwieIhoxGF

— Kid President (@iamkidpresident) May 23, 2021

This awesome account gives kids a perspective of using power for good and challenges them to think about how they would use their position to be socially responsible, good citizens of the U.S. and the world.

@KidsPress

Our latest @KidsPress roundup up of "news for kids, by kids" includes interviews with the Poet Laureate of Louisiana, a pediatrician who specializes in infectious diseases, and a mechanical engineer who worked on NASA’s Perseverance rover. Read more: https://t.co/8GAnZrnhsD pic.twitter.com/DhGpnMoc89

— Scholastic (@Scholastic) April 29, 2021

Another Scholastic account, this Twitter feed shares “news for kids, by kids.” Junior journalists (aka children!) share some truly impressive reporting chops, sparking inspiration, curiosity, and debate among tweens. Most links go to the Scholastic Kids Press page, which has stories, interviews, and more.

Like all social media platforms, Twitter can be great. It’s got millions of opinions to contemplate, facts to understand, graphics to share, and thought leaders to follow. It can also be overwhelming (and even dangerous) for kids, tweens, and teens. Remember, per Twitter rules, kids under 13 are not supposed to have their own independent accounts. But if you are monitoring feeds with them and want to help them find some interesting Twitter accounts for kids, make sure that they are legitimate, age-appropriate, and safe.

It’s a rabbit hole on the internet, so rein in the options and make it an educational experience.

Topics
Is your newborn eating too much? What to know about overfeeding
Cues to watch out for to let you know if you're overfeeding a newborn
Mother holding baby in nursery

Every parent knows the excitement and anxiety that comes when it's time to bring their baby home from the hospital for the first time. Besides the sleep schedule, many new parents may be worried about whether their infant is getting enough to eat. But is going the other direction something parents should also worry about? Is there such a thing as overfeeding a newborn? The short answer is yes. Overfeeding a newborn is a possibility, but it doesn't happen often.

Every newborn has differences in appetite where one might drink a bottle or breastfeed longer than another. Before you stress, don't worry. There are signs to be on the lookout for when it comes to giving your little one too much food. Whether it's your first or third child, if you are concerned about overfeeding your newborn, we have the information you need to know.
Why overfeeding a newborn is something you don't want to do

Read more
Recognizing early autism signs in toddlers: 6 things to know
Which toddler behaviors are quirky and which are red flags for autism?
Toddler boys playing a party game

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that about 1 in every 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder. If your child is on the spectrum, the initial diagnosis can be upsetting, but early intervention following a diagnosis is vital. The early signs of autism in toddlers, though, can be easy to overlook. If you have a child you think might be on the spectrum, it's best to know the early signs as your toddler develops.

There is a long list of possible signs as the autism spectrum is wide and diverse. One sign may appear in one child, but not in another. Certain early signs of autism are more common than others, which is why knowing the red flags is important. The earlier a child receives a diagnosis, the better the support system will be for them.
Understanding autism

Read more
Can you use a heating pad while pregnant? Here’s what you should know
Heat pads and pregnancy work together, just follow some precautions
Pregnant woman using heating pad hot water bottle

Pregnancy is an exciting time filled with awe and wonder, but it's also painful and uncomfortable. Experiencing all. the changes your body goes through as your baby grows is magical, but it's also kind of a pain. As pregnancy progresses throughout the trimesters, so, too, does the discomfort. From backaches to sore feet and sciatica to insomnia, pregnancy can be very hard on a person's body.
Often, a heating pad can provide some much-needed relief from those pregnancy-induced aches and pains, but many wonder if it's safe to use a heating pads while pregnant. Using heating pads during pregnancy can be an understandable concern.
Despite the relief they may give, many pregnant people are hesitant to use them out of fear the heat they produce may harm their baby. Fortunately, using a heating pad while pregnant can be very safe as long as you do so carefully and take proper precautions.

Why would you need a heating pad?

Read more