What is Swiggle?

Swiggle is a search engine designed for children aged 5-11. Created by SWGfL, a charity that aims to make the internet safer for everyone, the search engine automatically filters out inappropriate sites and prioritises educational resources.

It is intended to help children begin browsing independently in a safer environment than using other search engines such as Google.

Swiggle can be used directly through its website, or as a default search engine using its browser extension. It is not available as a dedicated mobile app.

Swiggle is used like any other search engine, with children typing their queries into a search bar. However, these queries are filtered, and if a query is considered inappropriate, users will receive a message saying, “Sorry, I can’t search for that.”

If a search is appropriate, Swiggle will show children results from approved websites, prioritising educational resources. Children can also view image results, which are also filtered to be appropriate. While all these results should be suitable for children, kids can easily report any inappropriate results.

There are no adverts or sponsored results on Swiggle, meaning children can browse without being influenced or distracted by advertisements.

When the browser extension is downloaded, Swiggle can be set as the default search engine. The extension allows children to use the ‘screen cover’ feature, which they can use to hide their screen if they come across inappropriate content. They can then seek support from a parent.

It should be noted that children may still be able to access websites that appear as autocomplete suggestions in the browser’s address bar, even if Swiggle is set as the default search engine.

Swiggle does not have dedicated parental control settings. Instead, it filters content to give children a safer experience online. Installing Swiggle as a browser extension gives access to more safety features, such as screen covering to hide any upsetting content.

Setting controls via the broadband or device your child uses can give them additional protection while browsing the internet.

Broadband and device parental controls

Explore controls to manage your child’s browsing.

• Filters inappropriate queries
• Prioritises educational resources
• Ad-free
• Free to use
• Screen cover feature to hide inappropriate content

While Swiggle is designed to filter out inappropriate content, they cannot guarantee that all results are suitable for children. Additionally, some appropriate websites might contain external links to less suitable sites.

Setting parental controls on your child’s device or broadband alongside Swiggle can give them extra protection when browsing online. You should also have regular conversations about what they do online and encourage them to come to you if they see anything upsetting or disturbing.