How to block YouTube videos for kids by age rating?

YouTube has a system that filters videos based on their age appropriateness. This system is in place to ensure that children only see content that is suitable for their age.

It is crucial to protect children from unsuitable content on the internet. This is why parental controls are very important, and blocking YouTube videos by age rating is one of the most effective ways to do so.

Using YouTube’s Built-in Features

You can use YouTube’s built-in features to block videos that are not age-appropriate for your kids. Here are some steps to ensure a safer YouTube experience for them.

Using YouTube Kids:

• Download the YouTube Kids app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• The app has a curated selection of videos that are appropriate for children.
• You can set age-based restrictions, allowing you to tailor the content to your child’s age.
• YouTube Kids also offers parental controls, including setting time limits and blocking specific channels.

Enabling Restricted Mode:

• Sign in to your YouTube account.
• Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner.
• Select ‘Settings’ from the dropdown menu.
• In the left-hand menu, choose ‘General’.
• Turn on ‘Restricted Mode’.

Restricted Mode will filter out videos that have been flagged as inappropriate for children. Remember that Restricted Mode is not foolproof, and some inappropriate content might still slip through. However, it provides an additional layer of protection to help you create a safer viewing environment for your kids.

Employing Third-Party Apps

Third-party parental control apps offer a comprehensive solution for managing YouTube access for kids. These apps often come equipped with advanced features like age-based filtering, screen time limits, and content blocking, empowering you to tailor their online experience.

Here are some reputable options to consider:

• Google Family Link: This free app from Google allows you to set screen time limits, block inappropriate websites, and monitor your child’s location. It also allows you to approve or deny YouTube videos based on their age rating.
• Qustodio: Qustodio is a paid parental control app that provides detailed insights into your child’s YouTube activity, including the duration of video watching and the specific videos they have accessed. It also allows you to block content based on age ratings and specific keywords.
• Norton Family: Norton Family is another paid option that offers features such as website filtering, app blocking, and time limits. It also allows you to manage your child’s YouTube usage, blocking videos that are not age-appropriate.
• mSpy: For a comprehensive parental control solution, mSpy is a paid app that provides in-depth monitoring and control over your child’s online activities. It enables you to block YouTube content by age rating and review their browsing history.

When selecting an app, consider your specific needs and priorities. Factors like price, platform compatibility, ease of use, and the level of control you require should all be taken into account. It is also a good idea to research the app’s reputation and read user reviews to gauge its effectiveness and reliability.

Setting Up Parental Controls on Devices

You can control what your kids see on YouTube by setting up parental controls directly on the devices they use. Here are some ways you can do this:

1. Using Device-Specific Settings:

• Android:
  Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls > Family Link (if you haven’t already set it up, you’ll need to create a family group). From there, you can manage app permissions, set screen time limits, and block specific websites and applications, including YouTube.
• iOS:
  Go to Settings > Screen Time. Create a new profile for your child or use the existing one if you’ve set up Screen Time before. You can then manage app permissions, limit app use, and schedule downtime to restrict access to devices.
• Amazon Fire Tablet:
  Go to Settings > Profiles & Family Library > Kids Profile. Here, you can set age-based content restrictions for apps and games, including YouTube. You can also control website access through the Silk Web Browser.
• Chromebook:
  Go to Settings > Family Link. Similar to Android, you can set up a Family Link account for your child and manage their access to apps, websites, and YouTube.

2. Using YouTube’s Built-in Restrictions:

• YouTube Kids:
  This app offers age-appropriate videos and is designed specifically for kids. It has strict content filters, making it safer than the main YouTube platform. However, you can still monitor your child’s activity and customize the content they can see.
• YouTube’s Restricted Mode:
  In the main YouTube app, you can turn on Restricted Mode. This will limit the content shown to videos that are generally considered appropriate for all ages. However, it’s not perfect and may not filter out all inappropriate content.

3. Using Third-Party Apps:

• If you need more comprehensive control over your child’s online activity, consider using a dedicated parental control app. Many free options are available, like Google Family Link, Norton Family, and Qustodio.
• For more advanced features and monitoring capabilities, you can also explore paid options like mSpy or FlexiSpy.

Remember to regularly review your child’s device settings and parental controls to ensure they remain appropriate and effective.

Remember, parental controls are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to your child’s online safety. YouTube’s content is constantly evolving, with new videos and features being added all the time. Stay vigilant and regularly review your settings to ensure they are still effective. Make sure to stay informed about the latest trends and features on YouTube and update your parental controls as needed. Ultimately, you are responsible for your child’s online experience, so stay involved, stay proactive, and enjoy the journey together.