What parental controls can limit YouTube videos based on age rating?

YouTube is a popular platform for videos, but some content might not be suitable for all ages. That’s why YouTube has implemented age restrictions, which are designed to help parents control what their children can watch.

Here’s how YouTube’s age ratings work:

• Made for Kids: Content specifically designed for young children, with stricter restrictions. YouTube’s algorithms determine this.
• All Ages: Content generally considered appropriate for all ages.
• 9+: Content generally considered suitable for ages 9 and up.
• 12+: Content generally considered suitable for ages 12 and up.
• 17+: Content generally considered suitable for ages 17 and up.

It’s important to note that YouTube’s algorithms, not the content creators, determine these ratings. This means the ratings might not always be perfect. Sometimes, content might not be categorized correctly, and you might find content that you think is inappropriate for your child.

Built-in Parental Controls on YouTube

YouTube has built-in parental controls that can help limit the videos your children see based on age ratings. One of the most helpful features is **Restricted Mode**, which filters out content that is generally considered inappropriate for children. You can activate Restricted Mode on a variety of devices:

• **Desktop:**
  1. Log in to your YouTube account.
  2. Click on your profile picture in the top right corner.
  3. Select “Settings” from the menu.
  4. Click on “General” in the left sidebar.
  5. Check the box next to “Restricted Mode” and click “Save” at the bottom of the page.
• **Mobile Apps (Android & iOS):**
  1. Open the YouTube app and tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.
  2. Select “Settings” from the menu.
  3. Scroll down and tap on “General” and then “Restricted Mode.”
  4. Turn the Restricted Mode toggle on.

It’s important to remember that Restricted Mode isn’t perfect and might not catch every inappropriate video. You should always supervise your children’s use of YouTube and monitor the content they are watching.

For a more tailored experience, you can also use **YouTube Kids**, a separate app designed specifically for children. YouTube Kids offers curated content appropriate for various age groups and includes additional parental controls, such as setting daily viewing limits and blocking specific channels.

Parental Control Apps and Software

Parental control apps and software can provide more granular control over YouTube usage, going beyond the basic age restrictions offered by the platform itself. These tools allow you to set time limits, block specific channels or keywords, monitor YouTube activity, and even filter content based on your own criteria. Here are some popular options:

• Google Family Link: This free app, integrated with Google accounts, allows you to manage your child’s screen time, approve apps, block inappropriate content, and track their location. It also provides detailed activity reports for YouTube and other apps.
• Norton Family: This comprehensive parental control software offers a wide range of features, including website filtering, app blocking, screen time limits, and location tracking. It allows you to set custom rules for YouTube, including blocking specific videos, channels, or keywords. Norton Family also provides detailed reports on your child’s online activity.
• Qustodio: Another comprehensive option, Qustodio provides extensive controls for YouTube, including time limits, content filtering, and usage reports. It allows you to block specific videos, channels, or keywords, and even set different rules for different times of the day.
• Bark: This app focuses on online safety and bullying prevention. It monitors your child’s online activity across various platforms, including YouTube, and alerts you to potential risks like cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators.

While these free options offer a good starting point, you may consider a more advanced solution for greater control and flexibility. mSpy and FlexiSpy are premium parental control apps that provide in-depth monitoring and control over YouTube usage, including the ability to record screen activity, track browsing history, and block specific keywords or channels.

Setting Up Parental Controls on Devices

Setting Up Parental Controls on Devices

To limit access to YouTube videos based on age rating, you’ll need to set up parental controls on the devices your children use. Here’s how to do it for popular platforms:

iOS

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap Screen Time.
3. If you haven’t set up Screen Time before, tap Continue and follow the prompts to set up a passcode.
4. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
5. Tap Content Restrictions.
6. Under Allowed Apps, make sure YouTube is toggled on.
7. Under YouTube Restrictions, choose the appropriate age rating for videos your child can watch.

Android

1. Open the Google Family Link app on your Android device.
2. Select your child’s profile.
3. Tap App & Website Settings.
4. Tap YouTube.
5. Choose the appropriate age rating for videos your child can watch.
6. You can also use App Usage Limits to set time limits for YouTube use.

Windows

1. Open the Settings app on your Windows computer.
2. Click Accounts.
3. Click Family & other users.
4. Click Add a family member.
5. Follow the instructions to add your child’s account.
6. Once the account is added, click Manage family settings.
7. Select your child’s profile.
8. Under App & website restrictions, you can choose the age rating for YouTube videos that your child can watch.

macOS

1. Open System Preferences on your Mac.
2. Click Parental Controls.
3. Click the + button to add a new user account for your child.
4. Select the new account and click Open.
5. Under Web, you can set restrictions for YouTube and other websites.
6. Select the appropriate age rating for the websites your child can access.

Device-Specific Settings

Many devices also have built-in parental control features that you can use to block access to YouTube entirely or limit its use.

• Smart TVs: Check the settings menu of your smart TV to see if it has parental control options for specific apps like YouTube.
• Game Consoles: Consoles like PlayStation and Xbox have parental control settings that let you block specific apps, including YouTube.
• Mobile Carriers: Some mobile carriers offer parental control features that allow you to block specific websites, including YouTube, on your child’s phone or tablet.

Remember, parental controls are a valuable tool, but they are not a replacement for open communication and supervision. It’s important to engage in conversations with your children about online safety, responsible content consumption, and the importance of being aware of YouTube’s age ratings. Encourage them to think critically about what they are watching and to seek help if they encounter anything inappropriate.

You can also teach children about digital citizenship by emphasizing the importance of respectful online behavior, responsible content sharing, and recognizing the impact of their actions online. Encourage them to be mindful of the content they consume and to report any inappropriate content they encounter. By promoting open communication and digital citizenship, you can empower your children to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.