This article was written by Kayelene Kerr from eSafeKids.
YouTube, the world's most popular and gigantic video-sharing platform, has transformed the way we consume and share media. With billions of users and an ever-expanding array of content, it’s become an integral part of many peoples lives. It attracts diverse audiences, from children watching cartoons and influencers to adults seeking tutorials, vlogs and documentaries.
YouTube is the go-to long-form video content platform with videos ranging from a few minutes to several hours. Children often feel a strong connection to their favourite YouTubers. Comments, likes and posts foster a sense of belonging and community. In addition to entertainment, many younger users turn to YouTube for educational content. From DIY projects to study tips, the platform can be a valuable resource for learning.
As with any platform, being aware of both its advantages and limitations can help adults support children in navigating it more safely.
Here’s a brief overview of the pros and cons of using YouTube or you can skip to parental controls.
YouTube Pros
Vast Content Library
YouTube boasts an enormous selection of videos, ranging from educational content and tutorials to entertainment and vlogs. Whether you’re looking for how-to guides, music videos or documentaries, YouTube has something for everyone.
Accessibility
The platform is accessible from virtually any device with an internet connection, including smartphones, tablets, computers and televisions. This makes it easy to watch or upload content anytime, anywhere.
Creativity and Self-Expression
YouTube provides a space for creators to showcase their talents and share their passions with a global audience. It’s a launchpad for aspiring filmmakers, musicians and educators to gain recognition and connect with like-minded people.
Monetisation Opportunities
For content creators, YouTube offers various ways to earn revenue through advertisement placements, sponsorships and channel memberships. For some this can turn a hobby into a source of income.
Community and Interaction
YouTube enables users to interact through comments, likes, and shares. This fosters a sense of community and allows for direct feedback and engagement between creators and viewers.
We can maximise the benefits of YouTube when we participate and where possible co-view with our children from time to time.
YouTube Cons
YouTube is not without its drawbacks, including issues with content moderation, privacy concerns and the impact of its recommendation algorithms.
Content Moderation Issues
Despite efforts to manage inappropriate, harmful and illegal content, YouTube often struggles with moderation. Offensive, misleading, harmful and illegal videos can sometimes slip through the cracks, raising concerns about content safety for children.
Privacy Concerns & Ad Overload
The platform collects significant amounts of user data to personalise recommendations and ads. This raises privacy issues, especially as concerns about data security and how information is used continue to grow. For users, frequent ads can disrupt the viewing experience. While YouTube offers an ad-free experience through its premium subscription service, ads remain a significant part of the platform for most users and these ads are not always age appropriate. These ads can encourage spending and also lead to children visiting sites beyond YouTube.
Algorithmic Challenges
YouTube’s recommendation algorithm can create echo chambers by suggesting content similar to what users have previously watched. This can limit exposure to diverse perspectives and contribute to the spread of misinformation, disinformation and malinformation.
Monetisation Challenges for Creators While there are monetisation opportunities, many creators face challenges such as fluctuating ad revenue, changes in YouTube’s policies and competition for viewer attention. Yes, some people can make A LOT of money, but most don't.
Making YouTube safer for children
While the platform offers numerous educational and entertaining videos for younger audiences, it also presents potential risks. Here’s a look at the factors that determine whether YouTube is safe for kids, and some steps you can take to make it safer if you choice to use it.
Pros of YouTube for Kids
Educational Content
YouTube has a wealth of educational videos that can enhance learning. Channels dedicated to subjects like math, science and art can be both informative and engaging for children.
Creative and Entertaining
From animated shows and music videos to DIY projects and game play YouTube offers a wide range of content that can be entertaining and spark creativity.
YouTube Kids Designed specifically for younger viewers, YouTube Kids is a separate app that filters content to be more age-appropriate. It includes parental controls to customise what kids can watch and how they interact with the platform. It's not a perfect platform but it is safer than YouTube. For younger children I would recommend YouTube Kids before YouTube. For younger children a platform like ABC Kids is safer and more age appropriate.
Risks of YouTube for Kids
Inappropriate Content
Despite efforts to filter content, age inappropriate, harmful and illegal videos can appear, even on YouTube Kids. This includes content with violence and adult themes.
Ads and Commercials Kids can be exposed to advertisements and sponsored content, which can be misleading or encourage unhealthy behaviours. The algorithms might also promote content that is not age-appropriate.
Privacy Concerns
YouTube collects data on its users, including viewing habits. For children, this raises privacy concerns as their data might be collected without sufficient parental oversight.
Comments and Interactions On the main YouTube platform, comments and community features can sometimes lead to negative or harmful interactions. This is less of an issue on YouTube Kids but still a consideration for older children.
If your child uses YouTube, the YouTube App or watches YouTube on a smart TV consider turning on ‘Restricted Mode’.
Safety Tips
Use YouTube Kids
For younger children, YouTube Kids is a safer option. It offers parental controls to restrict content and limit screen time. Regularly review and adjust settings as needed.
Monitor Viewing
Keep an eye on what your kids are watching. For older children using the main YouTube app, consider setting up a family account and reviewing their watch history.
Educate About Online Safety
Teach kids about the importance of online safety, including not sharing personal information and recognising inappropriate content.
Enable Restricted Mode
Enable Restricted Mode to help filter out potentially mature content. While not foolproof, it adds an extra layer of protection. See below for specific instructions.
Set Up Parental Controls
Utilise available parental control tools and apps to manage and monitor screen time, content access and interactions.
Encourage Positive Content
Guide kids towards content that is educational and positive. Encourage them to watch channels that align with their interests and your family values.
Setting Restricted Mode - YouTube App
These instructions are for if you use the YouTube App without signing into an account.
Open YouTube App
Select settings (the gear icon ⚙️)
Select General
Locate ‘Restricted Mode’
Toggle on ‘Restricted Mode
Also consider these other helpful tools:
Remind me to take a break
Remind me when it’s bedtime
Turn off ‘Auto Play’
Setting Restricted Mode - Smart TV
Open YouTube on your smart TV
Select settings (the gear icon ⚙️ )
Locate ‘Restricted Mode’ and select
Turn on ‘Restricted Mode’
You may also like to consider turning off Autoplay
Please remember you need to do this on every smart TV that is used to access YouTube. Also don’t forget to do this on all other devices used to access the YouTube app.
Restricting YouTube - Smart TV
Open main menu
Select settings (the gear icon ⚙️ )
Locate 'Parental Controls'
Select Apps
Locate YouTube
Select Lock and a pin will be required (make sure the kids haven't shoulder surfed you and discovered what the pin number is.) Without the pin they won't be able to access YouTube.
While you're in the settings have a look at the other Apps you might like to lock. Do the same with Channels.
Don't set and forget - It is important to review and update the settings regularly to ensure that they are still effective and relevant.
Restricting YouTube - Modem/Router
Depending on the modem/router you have you could also consider restricting YouTube.
Log into your modem/router
Locate Parental Controls
Add the URL of the website you want to block eg) https://www.youtube.com
While you're in the settings consider other websites you want to block
Remind me to take a break
You may also like to turn on the 'Remind me to take a break' and 'Remind me when it's bedtime'. These features are turned off by default so you will need to turn it on. Leading by example you could also turn this on for your account.
Select settings (the gear icon ⚙️ )
Select General
Toggle on 'Remind me to take a break' and 'Remind me when it's bedtime'
Set reminder frequency
Set remind me when it's bedtime
Additional Parental Control Tools
Parental control tools can assist to monitor, restrict, limit and filter what children and young people do and see online. Parental control tools have become increasingly important and can place restrictions on the websites children access, block inappropriate content, limit screen time, monitor online activities, and control the apps children use. Some tools also enable parents to track their child's location.
There are many tools available and they all offer different functions. Free parental controls can also be found on devices and on websites.
Whilst parental control tools are a valuable resource they can assist, but not replace or substitute, ongoing parental participation, supervision, education and conversation.
You'll find a list of paid parental controls here.
YouTube alternatives for younger children
For younger children you may wish to consider YouTube Kids or ABC iView.
Child friendly books and resources
My recommended child friendly book for primary school aged children is The Fabulous Friend Machine, Chicken Clicking and My Device Rules.
To learn more about eSafeKids workshops and training visit our services page.
To view our wide range of child friendly resources visit our online shop.
Join the free eSafeKids online Members' Community. It has been created to support and inspire you in your home, school, organisation and/or community setting.
About The Author
Kayelene Kerr is recognised as one of Western Australia’s most experienced specialist providers of Protective Behaviours, Body Safety, Cyber Safety, Digital Wellness and Pornography education workshops. Kayelene is passionate about the prevention of child abuse and sexual exploitation, drawing on over 24 years’ experience of study and law enforcement, investigating sexual crimes, including technology facilitated crimes. Kayelene delivers engaging and sought after prevention education workshops to educate, equip and empower children and young people, and to help support parents, carers, educators and other professionals. Kayelene believes protecting children from harm is a shared responsibility and everyone can play a role in the care, safety and protection of children. Kayelene aims to inspire the trusted adults in children’s lives to tackle sometimes challenging topics.
About eSafeKids
eSafeKids strives to reduce and prevent harm through proactive prevention education, supporting and inspiring parents, carers, educators and other professionals to talk with children, young people and vulnerable adults about protective behaviours, body safety, cyber safety, digital wellness and pornography. eSafeKids is based in Perth, Western Australia.
eSafeKids provides books and resources to teach children about social and emotional intelligence, resilience, empathy, gender equality, consent, body safety, protective behaviours, cyber safety, digital wellness, media literacy, puberty and pornography.
eSafeKids books can support educators teaching protective behaviours and child abuse prevention education that aligns with the Western Australian Curriculum, Australian Curriculum, Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Framework: National Quality Standards (NQS).
