Evaluation of children search engines from the perspective of search options, user interface and information display

Abstract

Purpose: One of the features provided to keeping children safe in online environment is using the search tools that screen websites to fit the age. So the aim of this study was to compare and evaluate children search engines from the perspective of search options, user interface and information display. Methodology: This was a descriptive study coducted through a survey method. A researcher-developed checklist was used to collect the data. The statistical population of this research consisted 19 children search engines refered to in the literature. Results: The research findings showed that "Boolify" and " KidzSearch " search engines (80%) and “Safe Search Kids" search engine (72.5%) had the highest compliance with the criteria for a children search engine. Conclusion: It was suggested that the best search engines for Iranian and Persian-speaking children were Boolify, KidzSearch, Safe Search Kids, KidRex and Kid's Search.

Keywords

• information retrieval
• search engine
• children