With the increasing popularity of YouTube, it’s no surprise that more and more children are watching videos on the platform. As a parent or guardian, it’s important to ensure that the content your child is consuming is safe and appropriate. In this blog post, we will discuss how to make YouTube videos kid-friendly, so you can have peace of mind while your child enjoys their favorite videos.
Understanding YouTube’s Content Settings
YouTube has several content settings that you can use to filter out inappropriate content. Here are a few options to consider:
Restricted Mode
Restricted Mode is a setting that filters out potentially mature content. To turn on Restricted Mode, go to the account settings and select “Restricted Mode: On.” Note that while this setting can help filter out inappropriate content, it’s not foolproof and some mature content may still slip through.
Safety Mode
Safety Mode is another setting that can help filter out inappropriate content. This setting hides comments that are potentially inappropriate. To turn on Safety Mode, go to the account settings and select “Safety: On.” Again, this setting is not foolproof and some inappropriate comments may still slip through.
Using YouTube Kids
YouTube Kids is a separate app that is designed specifically for children. The app features a simple interface, with large buttons and easy-to-find videos. All of the videos on the app are pre-screened and deemed appropriate for children. To use YouTube Kids, download the app and create a profile for your child. You can then customize the settings to limit the types of videos your child can watch.
Setting a Timer
One of the features of YouTube Kids is the ability to set a timer. This can help you limit the amount of time your child spends watching videos. To set a timer, go to the account settings and select “Timer: On.” You can then set the amount of time you want your child to spend watching videos.
Blocking Videos and Channels
If you come across a video or channel that you don’t want your child to watch, you can block it. To block a video or channel, go to the video or channel page and select the “More” button. From there, select “Block” and confirm your choice. The video or channel will then be hidden from your child’s view.
Creating a Playlist of Kid-Friendly Videos
If you want to ensure that your child is only watching appropriate content, consider creating a playlist of kid-friendly videos. You can search for videos on topics that your child enjoys, such as animals, cartoons, or educational content. Once you’ve found videos that you like, add them to a playlist. You can then share the playlist with your child, so they can watch the videos whenever they want.
Subscribing to Kid-Friendly Channels
Another option is to subscribe to kid-friendly channels. There are many channels on YouTube that are specifically designed for children. These channels feature age-appropriate content, such as cartoons, songs, and educational videos. To find kid-friendly channels, search for topics that your child enjoys and look for channels with a high number of views and positive comments.
Monitoring Your Child’s Viewing Habits
Even with all of these settings and tools in place, it’s still important to monitor your child’s viewing habits. Take the time to watch videos with your child and talk to them about what they’re watching. Encourage them to watch videos that are educational and informative, rather than just entertaining. And if you come across any videos or channels that you don’t think are appropriate, don’t hesitate to block them.
Conclusion
YouTube can be a great resource for children, but it’s important to ensure that they’re only watching appropriate content. By using YouTube’s content settings, the YouTube Kids app, and by creating playlists of kid-friendly videos, you can help your child enjoy the best that YouTube has to offer, while keeping them safe.
