7 Safe Alternatives to YouTube for Kids

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YouTube is a popular platform, but it’s not always the best option for children. Even with parental controls, inappropriate content can slip through, and the constant ads, comments, and autoplay features can expose kids to things they’re not ready for. Fortunately, there are many safer alternatives designed specifically for children, offering educational and fun content in a controlled environment. Here are seven great alternatives to YouTube for your kids.

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1. YouTube Kids

Age Range: 3-12 years

What It Is: YouTube Kids is a kid-friendly version of YouTube, offering a range of educational and entertainment videos tailored to children. Parents can set content preferences and screen time limits.

Things to Know: Though YouTube Kids filters out inappropriate content, it’s not foolproof, and some unsuitable material might still sneak in. Parents should use parental controls and supervise their child’s usage. You can also customize the content by disabling search features.

Why It’s Good: It gives kids access to fun and educational videos without the risks of the broader YouTube platform, while still offering a wide variety of content.

2. Netflix for Kids

Age Range: 3-12 years

What It Is: Netflix offers a separate profile option for kids, providing a collection of age-appropriate TV shows, movies, and cartoons. Parents can customize the age filter to control the type of content available.

Things to Know: The content on Netflix Kids is curated, but it’s still a good idea for parents to regularly check what their kids are watching. Parents can create PIN-protected profiles to ensure their child stays in the kids’ section.

Why It’s Good: Netflix Kids provides a broad selection of educational and entertaining content with no ads, making it a safer viewing environment.

3. Sesame Street App

Age Range: 2-6 years

What It Is: The Sesame Street app offers engaging and educational content featuring beloved characters like Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster. The app includes games, videos, and songs focused on early learning.

Things to Know: This app is designed for very young children and provides content that teaches basic academic skills, emotional development, and social interaction. It’s ad-free, ensuring a safe experience for little ones.

Why It’s Good: The app focuses on learning and development through play, making it a perfect choice for preschoolers. Plus, Sesame Street has a long-standing reputation for delivering age-appropriate educational content.

4. Nick Jr. App

Age Range: 2-7 years

What It Is: The Nick Jr. app provides access to full episodes, games, and music featuring favorite characters like Dora the Explorer, PAW Patrol, and Peppa Pig. It’s designed to be a safe, entertaining space for preschool-aged children.

Things to Know: Some content is free, but a subscription may be required for access to full episodes or additional content. Parents can also control access to different types of content, ensuring everything is suitable for their child.

Why It’s Good: Nick Jr. combines entertainment with educational games and activities, making screen time both fun and productive for young children.

5. GoNoodle

Age Range: 5-10 years

What It Is: GoNoodle is an app that gets kids moving with fun, interactive videos that focus on physical activity and mindfulness. It’s a great way to combine entertainment with exercise, using catchy songs and dances that kids love.

Things to Know: GoNoodle is used in many schools and is trusted for its safe and positive content. It’s a good way to get kids active during screen time.

Why It’s Good: This app promotes physical health and mental well-being, making it perfect for families looking for more than just passive screen time.

6. CBeebies

Age Range: 2-6 years

What It Is: CBeebies, from the BBC, offers educational and fun content for young children. The app features games, videos, and interactive learning experiences based on popular shows like “Hey Duggee” and “Teletubbies.”

Things to Know: CBeebies is ad-free, ensuring a safe viewing experience for young kids. It’s perfect for preschoolers looking to explore fun and engaging content with an educational twist.

Why It’s Good: CBeebies focuses heavily on early learning, offering content that helps kids develop skills while being entertained.

7. Disney+

Age Range: 4+ years

What It Is: Disney+ is a streaming platform that offers a vast library of Disney classics, Pixar films, Marvel shows, and Star Wars content. Parents can create kids’ profiles to limit access to age-appropriate content.

Things to Know: While the platform offers many family-friendly shows and movies, parents should still monitor what their children are watching, as not all content on Disney+ is suitable for very young viewers.

Why It’s Good: Disney+ is packed with beloved movies and series, many of which have positive messages and are ideal for family viewing. It’s also ad-free, making it a safer environment for kids.

Why YouTube Isn’t Always the Best Choice for Kids

YouTube, while a great platform for adults and teens, poses several risks for younger children:

  • Inappropriate Content: Even with parental controls, inappropriate videos or ads can slip through the filters.
  • Uncontrolled Ads: Ads can be intrusive, and not all are appropriate for kids, especially when autoplay is enabled.
  • Comment Sections: The comment sections on YouTube videos are often unmoderated and can expose kids to inappropriate or harmful language.
  • Unfiltered Recommendations: YouTube’s algorithm sometimes suggests videos that aren’t age-appropriate, even after watching child-friendly content.

By choosing any of these seven alternatives, you can provide your child with a safer and more enriching digital experience, tailored to their age and developmental needs.