Ever looked at your kids and wished that there was some way of dragging them away from their screens, whether that’s TV, console or a tablet/phone? What if there was something that had them begging to listen to a story? It seems practically impossible in today’s digital world. However, podcasts might just be your answer.
What are podcasts?
Podcasts made for (and even by) kids are popping up all over the place, with more and more families tuning in, with global market research company Ipsos claiming that 1 in 4 kids were listening to podcasts in 2020.
You may have already hopped aboard the podcast bandwagon; BBC Sounds is full of them for example. But thankfully, podcasters are starting to realise that it’s not just grown-ups who love to listen – kids want to too! Teachers are even using them in the classroom! With exciting stories, fascinating facts, and lively sound effects to grab kids’ interest, all you need for an entertaining family listening experience are some headphones or a set of speakers.
How can we listen?
When you first enter the world of podcasts, it can be abit of a minefield. Don’t panic though; it is becoming easier and easier to start listening. The majority of podcasts are available to stream online or with an app. Here are some popular options for listening:
- Apple Podcasts – The original podcast app (only available for Apple iOS).
- Google Podcasts – Google’s free podcast app for Android users.
- Spotify – The music-streaming platform has a whole dedicated section.
- Kids Listen – An online service that features kid-friendly pods.
- Pocket Casts – An easy to use mobile app.
- SoundCloud – An online audio-streaming platform (and app!) for podcasts as well as music.
- Stitcher – A free app where you can “stitch” together playlists based around topics, or your favourite listens.
Most of these apps also integrate seamlessly into smart speakers, so you can “Alexa” or “Hey Google” your favourites – easy peasy!
Once you’ve decided on your favourite app or website, search their library by topic and start exploring everything from drama to science to sports to movies and more. Once you’ve found pods you like, don’t forget to subscribe! Subscribing allows the app to push new episodes straight to your device as soon as they’re available, so you’ll always have the latest update at your fingertips (or ears…).
Pros and cons of podcasts for kids
On the plus side, podcasts:
- Boost learning – With knowledgable, engaging hosts and compelling stories, podcasts can be a great way to teach kids about science, history and more. Listening to stories helps kids build vocabulary, improve reading skills, and even become more empathetic.
- Reduce screen time – By listening to podcasts, you reduce their screen time whilst still enjoying the same level of engagement, entertainment, and education.
- Go anywhere – It may sound obvious, but podcasts are completely portable. You can listen in the car, on the bus, or in a classroom, or even while doing chores around the house.
- Cost nothing – No podcasts charge subscription or download fees, so anyone with internet access can listen and download for free. Most apps are free, although some do have costs associated with them – so choose wisely.
- Get two thumbs up from kids – Podcasts aimed at children are designed to hook them in with music, jokes, engaging stories, and more. Some are even designed in a serial format with cliffhangers at the end to get kids to tune back in!
On the downside, podcasts:
- May play lots of ads – Due to their being free to download, many podcasts run several minutes of ads at the beginning or end. Often read by the podcast host, the ads can feel like a bit of a hard sell.
- Can be confusing – Many podcasts update regularly, so you can jump right in and start listening. Others are styled like TV shows, so the most recent episode is actually the end of a season. Check whether something is serialized or long-form before listening to the most recent update.
- Vary in age-appropriateness – Not all podcasts are created equal. When in doubt, check online ratings and listen first before sharing with your kids.
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