YouTube is one of the largest video content platforms in the world, with over a billion users. The site is also very popular among children and teenagers. If you have kids who use YouTube regularly, it’s essential to understand the uses of Youtube Parental Control and limit what your child can see. Many parents are concerned about the content of YouTube because children might not be able to discern if a video is fictional or meant for adults. Other parents fear that their children will be exposed to inappropriate content because of the unmoderated nature of user-generated videos. If your child has access to a computer, you can use youtube parental controls to limit what sites they can see or block certain websites entirely. You can also control their search history, which prevents them from seeing explicit videos or inappropriate search results again in the future. Here are some ways to child-proof YouTube:
Use YouTube’s Restricted Mode
Restricted mode is an optional feature that is available on YouTube for many users. It re-routes all viewer requests through a child-friendly filter that blocks mature content. This includes inappropriate language, graphic violence, sexually suggestive images, and other content that is not appropriate for young audiences. By default, the restricted mode is not enabled, but you can switch it on to ensure that your child only sees child-friendly content when they use YouTube. To enable restricted mode, go to your account settings, select “General,” and then click “Restricted Mode.” You can also add your child’s login information to your account to enable restricted mode for their profile. Remember that restricted mode does not block all mature content, such as music videos or cartoons that may contain violent images.
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Turn On Youtube Parental Controls
Many parents use Youtube parental controls to manage their child’s viewing experience. YouTube’s parental controls allow you to block specific videos or entire categories, including channels, comments, and privacy settings. You can also set viewing time limits or block your child’s ability to comment on videos. By blocking videos and categories, you can prevent your child from viewing inappropriate content, including videos that contain violent or sexual content. You can also block channels that may contain inappropriate content, such as those that feature pranks or practical jokes. By blocking your child’s ability to comment on videos, you can prevent them from leaving potentially harmful or offensive comments. This also prevents them from seeing other people’s comments.
Install a Third-party Browser Extension
While many parents rely on YouTube’s parental controls, some children are smart enough to find ways around these restrictions. Luckily, many browser extensions can help you child-proof YouTube. By installing an extension, you can filter out videos that are not appropriate for your child. You can also block channels that you don’t want your child to see. By installing an extension such as Kids YouTube Filter or YouTube Kids Filter, you can block any inappropriate videos and channels. By blocking specific videos, you can prevent your child from seeing inappropriate content entirely. You can also block comments on videos, which prevents them from reading offensive or harmful content that other users post.
Set Timers for Watching Videos
If you want to encourage your child to be more active, you can set timers for watching videos. By setting a timer for each video, you can limit the amount of time your child spends on the computer. This can help prevent your child from spending too much time on YouTube, which can be harmful to their eyes and prevent them from getting enough physical activity. You can set timers for individual videos or an entire YouTube channel. By setting a timer for each video, you can encourage your child to watch more variety, preventing them from watching the same video for hours on end. By setting a timer for an entire channel, you can encourage your child to switch to a new channel after a set time. This allows them to explore different channels without getting too engrossed in any one video.
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Use YouTube Filters
YouTube filters allow you to block entire categories of videos, including age-restricted videos. By blocking certain videos and categories, you can prevent your child from accidentally stumbling upon inappropriate content. By blocking age-restricted videos, you can prevent your child from seeing mature content that is not appropriate for younger audiences. You can also block specific channels, preventing your child from seeing specific videos entirely. By blocking specific channels, you can prevent your child from viewing new videos on that channel. This can help prevent them from getting too engrossed in one channel. By blocking entire categories, you can prevent your child from seeing videos that they might not like or understand. You can also block autoplay, preventing your child from seeing videos that play one after another.
Disable the Built-rundown in your Browser
YouTube’s built-rundown features allow you to search, watch videos, and comment without having to click the “visit website” button. Many parents allow their children to use YouTube on their computers, and this is helpful for younger children who may not be able to click a website link. While the built-rundown is helpful for younger children, it also allows your child to access inappropriate content by clicking on suggested videos. You can disable the built-rundown feature to prevent this from happening. To disable the built-rundown, click “Edit” and select “Preferences.” Select “General,” and then uncheck “Enable built-rundown.” This prevents your child from accessing inappropriate content.
Block Specific Channels/Videos
Many parents use YouTube’s parental controls to block entire channels. While this prevents your child from watching new videos, it also prevents them from watching previously uploaded videos that may not be inappropriate. By blocking specific channels, you can prevent your child from watching new videos on that channel. This can help prevent them from getting too engrossed in one channel that features only one type of content. By blocking specific videos, you can prevent your child from seeing that video again. You can also block comments on videos, preventing them from seeing offensive or harmful content. By blocking specific channels and videos, you can prevent your child from viewing inappropriate content entirely. This can be helpful if a particular channel often features inappropriate content.
Summing up
There are many ways you can child-proof YouTube, but it’s important to remember that you can’t protect your child from everything. While it’s important to protect your child from harmful content, it’s also important to allow them to learn how to spot and avoid dangerous or harmful content on their own. By using the suggestions above, you can limit the amount of explicit content your child sees while still allowing them to explore different channels and learn new things. There are many benefits to allowing your child to use YouTube. It can help them learn more about the world, discover new interests, and expand their horizons. It also allows them to communicate with others online, which can help them feel less isolated and alone. With that in mind, it’s important to find the right balance between allowing your child to explore YouTube and protecting them from harmful content. With the tips above, you can child-proof YouTube and keep your child safe from explicit content.
Conclusion
Children are drawn to the bright colors and exciting videos on YouTube like moths to a flame. The trouble is, they can see all sorts of things on there that they really shouldn’t, unless you take steps to child-proof YouTube. It’s up to you as a parent to protect your child and help them navigate the world of online content. There are many things you can do to child-proof YouTube, such as using the restricted mode, installing a browser extension, and setting timers for watching videos. You can also block specific channels or videos entirely, or disable the built-rundown feature, which keeps your child from accessing inappropriate content.
