Parents are becoming increasingly aware of inappropriate content slipping through YouTube. The company has been working hard in trying to make YouTube for kids app safe for all children to use.
After receiving much pressure from the public, it has finally introduced new features in 2023 in the main YouTube app for tweens and school-aged children.
Is the Youtube app safe for tweens? (update 2025)
The YouTube for kids app appeals more to younger children.
Tweens can feel left out especially because the main YouTube app is for children aged 16+ but the YouTube for kids is more towards below 13 years old.
However, YouTube has updated its content to appeal to tweens and introduced some safety measures in place so tweens can browse through the main YouTube app safely.
Here are some new safety measures introduced by YouTube:
- Supervised Google Account : This limits what tweens and teens can watch on the app. Including what they can do, for example, like, comment, etc. This can be paired with Google Family Link.
- Filters : YouTube has introduced new filters for tweens as below:
- Explore: These are for children who would move from the YouTube Kids app to the main YouTube app. There are many videos targeted at children aged 9+. There are different types of videos from gaming, vlogs, tutorials, and many more to choose from.
- Explore more: this is targeted at children aged 13+. There is a larger selection of videos to choose from.
- Most of YouTube : This enables your child to view most of the content on YouTube, except for age-restricted content which is not appropriate for children under the age of 18.
Parental Control Feature on Youtube for kids app:
✅Parent Approved content
This feature enables you to choose every single video that your child is allowed to watch. Using this mode your child will not be allowed to search for any content on their own.
How to switch on this feature :
1) Go to settings.
2) Go to the child’s profile.
3) Choose “approved content only.” Start selecting the videos and channels for your child.
✅Exclude inappropriate content
The app is designed to exclude content that would not be appropriate for kids to watch. Youtube is also working hard to make sure that content on the app stays relevant for children. In case parents find any of the content not suitable for children they can flag those contents.
To do this :
- Click on the 3 bullet dots of the video
- Click on report
✅ Content relevant to the age of the child
When signing up Youtube Kids it will prompt you to select the age of your child. This is to give your child the best experience while using the app.
✅ Turning off the search function
Youtube for kids app gives you the option to switch on or off the search function. By switching on the search button your child can access millions more Youtube Kids videos. They have the ability to search for new content on their own.
Switching off the search function will limit them to videos on the home screen and those that are recommended by Youtube. Children cannot search for content on their own. This reduces the chance of children coming across content that you do not want them to watch.
To do this :
- Click on the lock button at the home screen
- Enter the passcode asked by the app
- Then click on settings
- And switch off the search button
✅Setting timer on
The time button will set a limit to how long you can have the app running. If you want your child to be using the app only for half an hour, you can easily set the timer on. This can prevent screen addiction and limit the amount your child spends online.
Talk to your partner or any other family members that is involved in taking of your child about the importance of limiting screen time. This is to ensure everyone at home is on the same page with regards to this issue.
To do this :
- Click on the lock button at the home screen
- Enter the passcode asked by the app
- Then click on Timmer
- Set the time limit
✅. Stand alone app
The app is not connected to the general Youtube app. This means that you can download this app on your child’s Ipad and never having to worry that they might have drifted to the general Youtube app.
✅ Educational videos
The app is not only used for entertainment purpose. There are many educational videos available. The “Learning” section has videos from PBS Kids, TED-Ed, and Khan Academy. Talk about when kids might view these videos
Other Things to know about Youtube for kids app:
❌While there are many reasons why this is better than the general Youtube app, it has some drawbacks such as advertisement.
❌There are also instances where inappropriate content slipping through its way. I would recommend switching off the search button if you are handing the device over to a toddler.
I also think it is important to sit down and watch the videos with your toddler in case unexpected videos pops up. Don’t forget to limit their screen time when watching things on Youtube.
