Safe Search Kids - Education, Parenting, Internet Safety for All

Students who communicate without speech have plenty to share with the world around them. They express needs, make choices and build connections through movements, images, symbols and tools. The best assistive technology for nonverbal students meets them where they are and grows alongside their developing skills.

Access to appropriate communication supports can transform a student’s ability to participate in lessons and to advocate for themselves.

Understanding How Nonverbal Students Communicate

Speech is just one way to communicate. Students who don’t use spoken words can still convey their ideas, preferences and boundaries through gestures, devices and visual supports. In fact, communication differences are more common than many realize. According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, 6.3% of U.S. children ages 3 to 17 currently have a speech or other language disorder.

Understanding how to teach communication to a nonverbal child starts with using tools and methods that match each student’s unique style.

AAC Communicators That Grow With Students

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices range from simple, low-tech options to sophisticated electronic systems. They can be single-message communicators to progressive systems that scale according to individual needs.

A simple press or light touch activates the message, making AAC devices an accessible entry point among communication modalities, depending on the student’s motor skills and the specific device type. They fit best in structured one-on-one or small-group settings where you can model the device consistently and reinforce its use. Decision factors like cost, durability, customization and curriculum integration matter when choosing the right option.

Enabling Devices offers tools for teaching nonverbal students’ communication skills. For example, its progressive communicators record and retain messages with interchangeable icons, allowing users to refine their communication choices as their skills develop.

These devices start with a single message and expand to up to 32 messages as a student’s abilities grow. Students can start using these adaptive devices without meeting specific skills thresholds, test scores or developmental milestones.

Gestures and Sign Language for Physical Expression

Gestures and sign language both use the hands, face and body to convey meaning without spoken words, but they serve distinct purposes.

Natural gestures like pointing or pushing away often emerge first and communicate immediate needs. You can build on these by introducing functional signs for recurring needs, such as “more,” “help,” “stop,” or “all done.”

On the other hand, formal sign languages like American Sign Language are complete linguistic systems that use handshape, movement, location and palm orientation. Non-manual signals, including eyebrow position and head tilt, simultaneously convey grammatical structure, spatial relationships and meaning.

Students with strong motor skills can use gestures and signs in any setting since these methods require no equipment, charging or setup.

New technology can make sign language more accessible. A sign language translation glove, such as BrightSign, translates gestures into spoken language in real time. You can train it to recognize any sign language system, from ASL to custom personal signs.

The glove converts gestures into spoken output across more than 40 languages. Voice recognition technology also lets students read or see spoken responses in their chosen format, creating genuine two-way exchanges.

Picture-Based Communication for Visual Learners

Students who process information visually benefit from picture-based communication systems such as visual schedules, choice boards and core vocabulary boards. These tools support varying cognitive levels and can be carried easily between settings.

Beyond these foundational supports, structured methodologies like the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) teach functional communication skills. Students learn through six progressive phases, from simple picture exchanges to complex sentence building. They exchange picture cards for desired items, then build sentences and respond to questions using a communication book. This approach works well for whole-classroom visual routines.

PECS traditionally uses physical materials like picture cards and communication books. The system now also includes PECSTalk, a picture-based communication app that supports 15 languages and an expanded vocabulary. The digital display mirrors the traditional PECS book layout, creating a natural progression for students and teachers already familiar with physical materials.

Setting Every Communication Tool Up for Success

Whether using communication aids for special education classrooms or other settings, nonverbal communication approaches work best when educators and families practice them consistently.

Consider these best practices for implementation:

• Model the tool during everyday routines: Use the student’s communication system yourself throughout the day. For example, point to a symbol while speaking or demonstrate a sign.

• Allow ample response time: Pause after a question or prompt and give the student extra time to process and respond. Avoid filling the silence or answering for them.

• Collaborate with students, families and educators: Listen to input from educators, families, and therapists to tailor the approach. Don’t assume one communication system or method fits every student the same way.

Small Signals, Big Breakthroughs

Every communication attempt matters. A single button press, a pointed finger or a hand-held picture card represents real progress and deserves recognition. Starting from each student’s current abilities and building from there creates pathways to meaningful connection. The tools and strategies you choose today can open doors to deeper learning and a stronger sense of agency for the students you support.

Tessa Dodson is the Senior Writer at Classrooms.com and a former career coach dedicated to supporting teachers and students with practical and accessible educational resources.

When she’s not writing, you can find her diving into research or catching up with her latest read.

Chess is one of the few screen activities most parents feel good about: it builds patience, focus and the habit of thinking before acting. But an online chess class can mean anything from a vetted coach with a small group to an open video call with strangers, so it pays to ask a few safety questions before you sign up.

Here are the seven we would ask as parents.

1. Who exactly is the coach, and can you check?

A good online chess school names its coaches, shows their photos and lists verifiable credentials. In chess this is easy to check: titled and rated players have public profiles on the FIDE ratings website of the International Chess Federation, where you can see their name, country, title and rating history.

Be cautious with listings that only show a first name or a nickname, or that say “experienced coach” without anything you can verify. You would not drop your child at a club run by an anonymous adult; an online class deserves the same standard.

2. Where does the lesson actually take place?

Ask which platform the class uses and who controls it. The safest set-ups share a few features:

• the lesson link is private and only works for enrolled children;
• the coach (not the children) controls who is admitted to the room;
• children cannot privately message each other or the coach through the lesson tool;
• there is no public chat open to people outside the class.

If the answer is “we’ll send a link on WhatsApp” or “join our open server”, keep asking.

3. How big is the group, and who else is in it?

Small groups are better for learning, a coach can only really watch four or five children’s moves at once, and they are also easier to supervise. Ask how many children are in a group, whether groups are matched by age, and whether adults or older teenagers ever join the same class. A group of similar-age children of similar level is both safer and more fun.

4. Is the camera required, and are lessons recorded?

Some schools ask children to keep cameras on so the coach can see they are engaged; others make it optional. Either can be reasonable. What matters is that the school tells you clearly. Ask:

• whether lessons are recorded, who can watch the recordings and how long they are kept;
• whether you can sit in on a lesson or watch from the next room;
• whether screenshots or clips of children are ever used in marketing (they should not be without your written consent).

5. What personal data do they collect about your child?

A chess class needs very little: your child’s first name, age and level, and your contact details as the parent. Be wary of sign-up forms that ask a child to create their own account with an email address, a full date of birth or a photo. In the United States, services for children under 13 must follow COPPA, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule, and obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting a child’s personal information; a reputable school will make that process visible and will have a readable privacy policy written for parents.

6. What happens between lessons?

Most good programs give homework, usually short chess puzzles,  and many use online platforms for it. That is a good thing, as long as you know where your child will be practising. Ask whether homework happens inside the school’s own platform or on a public chess website, and if it is a public site, whether the school recommends child-safe settings such as disabling chat and only playing against computer opponents or friends. Free platforms like Lichess offer a “kid mode” that switches off chat and social features, worth turning on for any young player.

7. Can you cancel easily, and is there a trial?

Safety is also about not being locked in. A trustworthy school lets you try a lesson or a short first month, shows the full price before you pay, and lets you cancel online without a phone call. If the terms are hard to find before checkout, that tells you something about how the school treats parents.

A quick checklist before the first lesson

• Coach’s full name and credentials checked
• Private lesson room, admitted by the coach
• No private messaging between children
• Group size and age range confirmed
• Recording and camera policy explained
• Privacy policy read; you, not your child, created the account
• Homework platform set to child-safe mode
• Clear price and online cancellation

Comparing options

Not every family needs a live class. Free sites and apps are excellent for practice, and some children enjoy a self-paced course. If you are weighing the different kinds of chess classes, free platforms, kid-safe apps, class marketplaces, private tutors and dedicated academies, this overview of the best online chess classes for kids compares them side by side, including prices.

A good sign is a school that publishes its safeguarding and online safety practices for parents: who the coaches are, how lesson rooms are run and what happens to your child’s data. Every school should be able to show you this before the first lesson.

The bottom line

Chess is one of the healthiest things a child can do on a screen. The board is the same whether it is wooden or digital; what changes online is who else is in the room. Ask the seven questions above, and you will quickly separate the schools that have thought about your child’s safety from the ones that have not.

A difficult experience can stay on a teen’s mind long after it happens. You may notice changes in their sleep, mood, schoolwork, or friendships without being aware of the reason. They may not want to talk about it either. Sometimes silence is the way they cope.

If parents identify the signs early, they can provide support at the right time.

Let Your Teen Talk at Their Own Pace

Parents frequently want to know exactly what happened. But if you ask too many questions, a teen can feel pressured.

Instead, start with what you have noticed.

You might say:

• “You seem more tired lately. How are you doing?”
• “I noticed you’ve stopped doing some things you used to enjoy.”
• “You don’t have to talk about it right now, but I’m here if you want to.”

Keep your tone calm. Give your teen time to answer.

A difficult memory may involve something they find embarrassing or frightening. They may not have the words to explain how they feel. They also may worry that talking about it will upset their parents.

You don’t have to agree with everything your teen says just because you are listening. It means letting them talk about what they are going through in a safe way.

Watch for Changes in Daily Life

Parents do not need to diagnose their teen. It can be more helpful to observe their behavior patterns.

Look for changes such as:

• Frequent nightmares or sleep problems
• Trouble concentrating
• Avoiding friends or family
• Losing interest in normal activities
• Strong changes in mood
• Increased anger or fear
• Problems at school
• Avoiding reminders of a difficult event

The National Institute of Mental Health lists sleep problems, loss of interest, social withdrawal, and problems at school among possible signs that a young person may need an evaluation.

Create More Stability at Home

While parents can’t erase a painful memory, they can help the house feel more like home. Try to keep regular times for meals, school, sleep, and other daily activities. Encourage your teen to stay connected with supportive friends and family members.

Simple routines can be especially helpful after a stressful experience. You can also give your teen small choices during the day. Let them decide what to eat for dinner, which activity to do, or when to complete a reasonable task. It feels a bit relaxing when you think you have some control over your daily life.

Don’t Force Your Teen to Discuss the Event

It is natural to want your child to “get it off their chest.” But forcing a conversation may not be the best approach.

If your teen does not want to talk, let them know they can come to you when they are ready. You can check in again later without repeatedly asking for details.

This is not ignoring the problem; it means giving your teen a space while continuing to provide support.

When Should Parents Consider Professional Help?

Consider professional help if changes continue, get worse, or affect your teen’s sleep, school, relationships, or daily life. Additionally, SAMHSA suggests that parents who are worried about changes in their child’s behavior or mental health should talk to a health care provider.

A doctor, therapist, psychologist, or school counselor can help you understand what is going on and suggest the right support. You do not need to know the diagnosis or treatment before seeking help.

Understanding Therapy Options for Teens

There are different approaches that mental health professionals may consider depending on the person’s needs.

One approach parents may come across when researching treatment for distressing memories is accelerated resolution therapy. ART uses techniques involving eye movements, exposure, and image rescripting to work with distressing memories. Research has shown potential benefits, but the evidence base is still developing.

This difference is important for parents to know when they are looking into treatment options. A therapy studied in adults should not be assumed to work the same way in adolescents.

Parents should discuss ART or any other treatment with a qualified mental health professional who can consider the teen’s age, symptoms, history, and individual needs.

Support Can Start With Small Steps

A difficult memory may not disappear simply because time passes. What parents can do is create an environment where a teen feels heard, supported, and safe enough to ask for help.

Pay attention to changes in everyday life. Keep routines consistent. Avoid forcing difficult conversations. Most importantly, do not wait for a problem to become severe before asking a qualified professional for guidance.

Supporting a teen does not mean you have to know everything. Sometimes the most useful step is simply noticing that something has changed and helping them find the right person to talk to.

Electric scooters can be an exciting way for children to enjoy outdoor activities, develop confidence, and spend less time indoors. They also give families another option for short recreational trips and neighborhood adventures. But unlike a traditional kick scooter, an electric model has a motor, battery, acceleration system, and additional weight.

That means parents need to think carefully about safety before making a purchase. Choosing the right scooter is not simply a matter of finding the fastest model or the one with the longest battery range. A safe choice should match the child’s age, size, experience level, and intended riding environment.

Parents should also consider braking performance, speed limits, construction quality, visibility, and the protective equipment the child will wear. With so many models available, knowing what actually matters can make the buying process much easier. Here are the key factors parents should evaluate before choosing an electric scooter for a child.

1. Start With the Child’s Age, Size, and Experience

The safest scooter is one that a child can control comfortably. Before looking at technical specifications, consider the rider’s age, height, weight, coordination, and previous experience with scooters or similar recreational equipment.

Manufacturers normally provide age and weight recommendations, and these should be treated as important safety guidelines rather than suggestions that can be ignored. A scooter designed for an older or heavier rider may accelerate too quickly or be difficult for a smaller child to control.

Parents should also think about whether the child has experience balancing and steering. A child who has never used a scooter may benefit from a slower model with gentle acceleration. Families shopping for related recreational equipment can also explore sports and outdoors products recommendations by Top5Best to compare options suited to different ages and activities.

A child’s confidence should not be confused with their ability to handle a powerful motor. Even an experienced rider may struggle with a scooter that is too heavy, fast, or responsive.

2. Choose a Sensible Maximum Speed

Speed is one of the most important specifications when buying an electric scooter for a young rider. Higher speed may sound attractive to a child, but it increases stopping distance and can make mistakes more difficult to correct.

For younger or inexperienced riders, a lower-speed scooter is generally the better starting point. Some children’s models are designed with conservative speed limits specifically to make them easier to control. Parents should look for models with adjustable speed settings when possible, allowing the child to become familiar with the scooter before riding at its maximum permitted speed.

The riding environment also matters. A scooter used inside a private yard or on a quiet recreational path presents different challenges from one used around pedestrians, driveways, or busy streets.

Parents should establish clear rules before the first ride. Children should understand where they are allowed to ride, when they must slow down, and when riding is not permitted.

3. Pay Close Attention to the Braking System

A reliable brake system is just as important as the motor. Children need to be able to slow down predictably and stop when something unexpected happens.

Electric scooters may use different braking arrangements, including electronic braking, mechanical brakes, rear-wheel brakes, or combinations of these systems. Parents should understand how the scooter stops and make sure the controls are easy for the child to operate.

A child should never be expected to learn emergency braking while traveling at full speed. After purchasing the scooter, spend time in a safe, open area practicing gradual braking and controlled stops.

Parents should also inspect the brakes regularly. Worn components, loose cables, unusual noises, or reduced braking performance should be addressed before the scooter is used again.

4. Look for a Stable and Appropriate Deck

The deck is where the rider stands, so its design has a direct impact on balance and comfort. A child should have enough room to position both feet securely without feeling cramped.

A non-slip deck is particularly useful because shoes can lose traction when the surface becomes wet or dusty. The deck should also feel solid rather than flexible or unstable under the rider’s weight.

Parents should consider the scooter’s overall dimensions in relation to the child. A model that is physically too large can make steering difficult, even when its motor specifications appear appropriate.

Before buying, check the manufacturer’s measurements and compare them with the child’s height and riding position.

5. Consider Weight and Portability

An electric scooter can be surprisingly heavy because of its battery and motor. Parents should consider whether the child can safely maneuver the scooter without assistance.

Weight becomes especially important when the scooter needs to be carried upstairs, loaded into a vehicle, or moved after the battery runs out. A child may be comfortable riding a scooter but unable to lift or control it when walking.

A lighter model can be easier for younger riders, but parents should not automatically assume that lighter means better. Construction quality, stability, and appropriate weight capacity should remain priorities.

The goal is to find a practical balance between portability and a sturdy structure.

6. Check the Wheels and Tires

Wheel size and tire design influence stability, comfort, and handling. Larger wheels can help a scooter handle minor surface imperfections more smoothly, while smaller wheels may make a compact scooter easier to maneuver.

Parents should examine the intended riding surface before choosing a model. A scooter used on smooth private pavement has different requirements from one used on rough recreational paths.

Tire condition should also be checked regularly. If the scooter uses pneumatic tires, maintaining the correct pressure is important for handling and braking. Solid tires eliminate the risk of punctures but may provide a different riding feel.

Whatever the design, children should avoid riding over surfaces that exceed the scooter manufacturer’s intended use.

7. Do Not Overlook Visibility

Children riding outdoors need to be visible to other people. This becomes especially important in areas where pedestrians, cyclists, cars, and other vehicles may be present.

Reflective elements, front and rear lights, and bright colors can improve visibility. A helmet with reflective details or other appropriate visibility accessories can provide another layer of protection.

Parents should also establish a simple rule: if visibility is poor, riding should wait. Darkness, heavy rain, fog, and other difficult conditions can make it harder for a child to see obstacles and for other road users to notice the scooter.

Visibility is not only about equipment. Teaching children to make eye contact with drivers, stay aware of their surroundings, and avoid blind spots is equally important.

8. Make Protective Equipment Non-Negotiable

A properly fitted helmet should be considered essential equipment whenever a child rides an electric scooter. Depending on the riding environment and the child’s experience, parents may also consider knee pads, elbow pads, gloves, and appropriate footwear.

Protective equipment needs to fit correctly. A helmet that moves excessively or sits incorrectly may not provide the intended protection.

Children should also wear closed-toe shoes that provide a secure grip on the deck. Loose clothing, dangling accessories, and anything that could interfere with steering or moving parts should be avoided.

The best approach is to make protective gear part of the normal riding routine rather than presenting it as an optional extra.

9. Examine Battery and Charging Safety

Electric scooters rely on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in many cases, so parents should take charging seriously. Always follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions and use the charger supplied or specifically approved for the scooter.

Children should not be responsible for charging the scooter without appropriate adult supervision. The scooter should be charged in a suitable location away from excessive heat, moisture, and flammable materials.

Parents should inspect the battery and charging equipment for visible damage. Swelling, unusual heat, burning smells, damaged cables, or other abnormal behavior should be treated as warning signs.

It is also wise to avoid modifying the battery or using incompatible chargers simply to reduce charging time. Electrical components should be handled according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

10. Investigate Build Quality Before Buying

A low price can be appealing, but an electric scooter is a mechanical and electrical product that needs to withstand repeated use. Parents should investigate the manufacturer’s reputation, product documentation, warranty terms, and customer support before purchasing.

Pay attention to the construction of the handlebar, folding mechanism, deck, wheels, brake components, and other major parts. A scooter that feels loose or poorly assembled should raise concerns.

Reviews can help identify recurring problems, but parents should avoid relying entirely on star ratings. Look for detailed feedback about durability, braking, battery performance, steering, and long-term use.

A reputable manufacturer should provide clear specifications and safety information rather than leaving parents to guess about important details.

11. Teach Riding Rules Before the First Ride

Buying a safe scooter is only part of the safety equation. Children need clear instructions about how to ride it responsibly, just as they were taught when learning to ride a bike.

Start with a controlled practice area away from traffic and crowds. Teach the child to accelerate gradually, keep both hands on the handlebars, maintain a stable stance, and brake smoothly.

They should learn to watch for pedestrians, uneven surfaces, parked vehicles, animals, and other obstacles. Looking at a phone or wearing headphones while riding should never be permitted.

Parents should also establish boundaries regarding where the child can ride. Younger riders may be safest in designated private areas or supervised recreational spaces rather than public roads.

12. Think About Maintenance and Regular Inspections

Even a well-designed scooter can become unsafe if it is poorly maintained. Parents should periodically inspect the scooter before use, especially if it has not been ridden for several weeks.

Check the brakes, tires, handlebars, deck, folding mechanism, lights, and visible electrical connections. Look for loose screws, cracks, unusual sounds, or changes in handling.

The scooter should also be kept clean and stored according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Water exposure should be limited to the level specified by the manufacturer because not every electric scooter is designed to handle wet conditions.

Regular maintenance does not need to be complicated. A few minutes of inspection can help identify small problems before they become serious ones.

Making the Right Choice for Your Family

Choosing an electric scooter for a child should begin with safety rather than speed, appearance, or extra features. The right model is one that fits the rider physically, offers manageable performance, has dependable brakes, and is built for the environment where it will be used.

Parents should also remember that safety continues after the purchase. Proper protective equipment, supervised practice, sensible riding rules, responsible charging, and regular maintenance all contribute to a safer experience.

A child may be excited about getting an electric scooter, but parents have the final responsibility for deciding whether the model is appropriate. Taking a little extra time to compare specifications and establish clear riding habits can make the experience more enjoyable while reducing avoidable risks.

When the scooter matches the child’s abilities and the family treats safety as part of the experience, electric scooting can become a fun and responsible outdoor activity.