Click on one of the questions below to see its answer.

HighlightsKids Basic Questions

1. My child is already a Highlights subscriber. How is HighlightsKids.com different from the magazine?
2. What are the system requirements for viewing HighlightsKids.com?
3. We can't access some of the activities on HighlightsKids.com. Why is this?
4. I'm using AOL, and it seems as if some of the images might be missing from your Mystery Messages activity. Can this be fixed?
5. We use pop-up-blocking software, and it seems that some of the images are missing your activities. What's wrong?
6. What is the Children's Privacy and Protection Act? How does Highlights comply?
7. My question is not listed here...

HighlightsKids Basic Questions

1. My child is already a Highlights subscriber. How is HighlightsKids.com different from the magazine?

   The two formats really work hand in hand.

   Many of the activities at HighlightsKids.com, including our extensive craft and story archives, are based on our long-running print features. But popular concepts like Hidden Pictures™ and Check... and Double Check take on a whole new life online. On the Internet, for example, kids can help create their own versions of Highlights favorites like Goofus and Gallant® and The Timbertoes®.

   Our site also includes features you'll find ONLY at HighlightsKids.com, including Mystery Messages, Picture Twisters, and our popular e-Card Creator. Kids love HighlightsKids.com because they can visit day after day and always see new material.

2. What are the system requirements for viewing HighlightsKids.com?

   HighlightsKids.com is best viewed on the most recent versions of Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, or AOL. And don't forget to install the most recent versions of Macromedia's Shockwave and Flash Players if you don't already have them!

   Click here to go to our Computer Setup page to learn how to get the most out of HighlightsKids.com.

3. We can't access some of the activities on HighlightsKids.com. Why is this?

   To offer the fullest online experience possible, we've created content that relies on special browser plug-ins that deliver audio and animation. If you're having trouble getting some of our content to work, you may need to download the most recent version of Macromedia's FREE Shockwave and Flash plug-ins. Don't worry they're easy to download! Click here for instructions and a link to Macromedia's plug-in download area.

4. I'm using AOL, and it seems as if some of the images might be missing from your Mystery Messages activity. Can this be fixed?

   Yes! AOL browsers use a default setting called "Use compressed graphics," which makes your graphics load faster. This setting makes it difficult to download graphic-heavy activities like our Mystery Messages. To see all of our graphics at their best, you can turn off this setting.

   Macintosh Users

   • Click on "My AOL."*
   • Choose "Preferences" from the pull-down menu.
   • Click on "WWW."
   • Click on the "Use compressed graphics"** box to uncheck it.
   • Click "Empty Cache Now." (Note: This will delete files stored in your computer for quick loading and will not delete anything important from your computer.)
   • Click on "OK" to save changes and close the "Preferences" dialog

   Windows Users

   • Click on "My AOL."*
   • Choose "Preferences" from the pull-down menu.
   • Click on "WWW."
   • Click on the "Web Graphics" tab.
   • Click on the "Use compressed graphics"** box to uncheck it.
   • Click on "Apply" to save this change.
   • Click on the "General" tab.
   • In "Temporary Internet Files," click "Delete Files." (Note: This will delete files stored in your computer for quick loading and will not delete anything important from your computer.)
   • Click on "OK" in "Delete Files."
   • Click on "OK" in "AOL Internet Properties" to close.
   • Click on "Close" to close "Preferences."

   *"My AOL" is called "Settings" in version 6.0.
   ** Instead of unchecking "Use compressed graphics," check "Compress Never" in version 6.0.

5. We use pop-up-blocking software, and it seems that some of the images are missing your activities. What's wrong?

   HighlightsKids.com sometimes uses pop-up windows in our navigation. To get the most out of our site, please turn off your pop-up-blocking software when surfing HighlightsKids.com, or add it to your list of allowed sites.

6. What is the Children's Privacy and Protection Act? How does Highlights comply?

   The Children's Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA), effective as of April 2000, was established by Congress to protect children's online privacy. COPPA requires that children's Web site operators adhere to specific guidelines regarding the collection and handling of personally identifiable information about children. For more information about COPPA and your child's rights to online privacy, visit the FTC's Kids Privacy Web site for parents at www.ftc.gov.

   Click here to read our members' privacy policy and learn more about how HighlightsKids.com complies with COPPA.

7. My question is not listed here...

   If your question is not found in the FAQs listed here, please refer to one of the following contacts: If you have questions related to the content on HighlightsKids.com, please e-mail us at Editor@HighlightsKids.com.