YouTube is the world’s most popular online video platform, with over 2 billion monthly logged-in users. However, with its massive amount of content comes the risk of children being exposed to inappropriate or objectionable material. Fortunately, YouTube offers various ways for parents to block and restrict videos to create a safer viewing experience.
Table of Contents
Use YouTube’s Restricted Mode
Restricted Mode is YouTube’s built-in content filtering system that aims to exclude mature content. When enabled, it uses automated filters to identify and block potentially objectionable videos based on signals like titles, descriptions, metadata, etc.
To enable Restricted Mode:
- On the YouTube website: Click your profile icon > Settings > Restricted Mode > On
- In the YouTube app: Tap your profile icon > Settings > Restricted Mode > On
You can also lock Restricted Mode on your browser so it can’t be turned off without a password. This prevents kids from disabling the filters.
Pros:
- Easy one-click setup
- Filters a lot of mature content
- Available on all platforms
Cons:
- Not 100% accurate
- Some objectionable content may get through
Block Specific Channels
You can block entire YouTube channels from showing up in search results and recommendations. This is useful for blocking channels that consistently publish inappropriate content.
To block a channel:
- Go to the channel’s About page
- Click Block User > Block Channel for Kids
- Confirm by clicking Block Channel
Pros:
- Prevents all content from channel being shown
- Works across all devices when signed into your account
Cons:
- Does not block content from other similar channels
Use a Child Account With Supervision
YouTube allows parents to create a supervised Google child account for kids under 13. This gives you granular control over the YouTube experience through both desktop and mobile settings.
To set up supervision:
- Create a Google child account
- On the child’s account, enable supervision under Parent Settings
- Customize YouTube restrictions for the account
Pros:
- Very customizable restrictions
- Applies safe search filters
- Can limit usage time
- Works across devices
Cons:
- Set up can be complex
- Need to create separate child account
Use YouTube Kids
YouTube Kids is a dedicated YouTube app specifically designed for children, with more curated content and parental control options. It has predefined content settings (Younger, Older) that determine the videos shown.
To manage YouTube Kids:
- Download the YouTube Kids app
- Select your child’s account
- Customize content settings as needed
Pros:
- Designed specifically as a kids app
- More contained environment
- Customizable content filters
Cons:
- Separate app from main YouTube
- More limited content
Use a Third Party Parental Control App
Third party parental control apps like Qustodio and Bark offer additional ways to manage YouTube such as:
- Blocking by keywords
- Limiting daily usage time
- Viewing history reports
- Flagging concerning activity
The advantage of using a specialized parental control app is getting expanded filtering options and visibility into YouTube usage.
Pros:
- Very robust blocking options
- Usage time limits
- Detailed visibility into activity
Cons:
- Additional cost (subscription fees)
- Set up across devices can be complex
Combine Multiple Methods
For the most effective protection, combine multiple blocking methods. For example:
- Enable Restricted Mode
- Block inappropriate channels
- Use a child account with supervision
- Monitor activity with a 3rd party parental control app
Layering several controls creates redundancy, catches content that may slip past one method, and gives you visibility into your child’s viewing habits.
The key is not relying on any single tool, but combining tools to create a robust, multi-layer blocking approach. Test out different methods and find the right blend of protection and usability for your family.
Conclusion
YouTube offers various effective ways for parents to block and restrict content – the trick is finding the right approach for your specific needs and comfort level.
Restricted Mode, channel blocking, supervised accounts and 3rd party apps all have their own pros and cons. Often the best solution is utilizing multiple methods together to form a safety net.
Monitor and refine your approach over time as your child’s YouTube use and maturity level evolves. And be sure to supplement any technical solution with open conversations around digital safety and responsibility.
