As parents, it is our responsibility to ensure the safety of our children while they are online. With the abundance of information and entertainment available on YouTube, it can be challenging to keep track of the content our children are watching. However, YouTube provides a range of tools and options to help parents establish parental controls and create a safer online environment for their kids. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the steps parents can take to establish parental controls on YouTube for child safety.
What Parents Should Know about YouTube
Before we delve into the specifics of establishing parental controls on YouTube, it’s essential to have a general understanding of the platform. YouTube is a video-sharing website that allows users to upload, share, and view videos. The platform contains a vast amount of content, ranging from educational videos to music videos, gaming, and more. However, much of this content is not suitable for children and may contain violence, sexual content, or inappropriate language. As parents, it is crucial to monitor and restrict our children’s access to such content.
Benefits of the YouTube Kids App for Kids Under 13
YouTube Kids is a child-friendly version of the YouTube platform. It provides a safer viewing experience for children under 13 years old. The app has pre-selected content that is appropriate for kids, and parents can customize the app’s settings to suit their children’s preferences. To set up the YouTube Kids app, follow these steps.
How to use YouTube Kids
- Step 1: Download the App
The YouTube Kids app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices. Visit the App Store or Google Play Store and search for “YouTube Kids.” Download and install the app on your device.
- Step 2: Set up a Profile
After installing the app, launch it and set up a profile for your child. You can add multiple profiles if you have more than one child using the app. To create a profile, enter your child’s name, date of birth, and gender.
- Step 3: Customize the Settings
Once you create a profile, customize the app’s settings to suit your child’s needs. The settings options include:
- Content level: Choose between preschool, school-age, or all content levels.
- Timer: Set a timer for how long your child can use the app.
- Search: Disable or enable search options.
- Sound and music: Adjust the volume of sounds and music in the app.
- Restricted mode: Enable restricted mode to filter out inappropriate content.
How To Set Parental Controls on Youtube
For parents who want to allow their children to access regular YouTube, there are several ways to set up parental controls. Here’s how to do it:
For YouTube App
1.Open the YouTube app on your device.
2.Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.
3.Go to Settings > General.
4.Toggle on the “Restricted Mode” option.
5.Set a passcode for Restricted Mode to prevent your child from disabling it.
6.Save the changes.
Restricted Mode is a filtering system that blocks potentially mature content. It works by using community flagging, age-restrictions, and other signals to identify and filter out potentially inappropriate content. However, it’s not a foolproof system, and some mature content may still slip through the cracks.
For YouTube Website
1.Go to the YouTube website and sign in to your account.
2.Click on your profile picture in the top right corner.
3.Go to Settings > Restricted Mode.
4.Toggle on the “Activate Restricted Mode” option.
5.Set a passcode for Restricted Mode to prevent your child from disabling it.
6.Save the changes.
Restricted Mode on the YouTube website works the same way as the app version. It filters out potentially mature content but is not 100% foolproof. It’s also worth noting that Restricted Mode only applies to the device or account it’s turned on for. If your child uses a different device or account, you’ll need to set it up again.
Learn How to Monitor YouTube Activity and Keep Kids Safe with Bark
YouTube is one of the most popular platforms for people of all ages to consume content. While YouTube has strict policies in place to prevent the sharing of inappropriate content, some videos can slip through the cracks. This is why it’s important to monitor YouTube activity, especially for children who are more vulnerable to the risks associated with online content.
Fortunately, there are tools available that can help parents and guardians to monitor YouTube activity and make the platform more kid-friendly. Bark is one such tool that provides a comprehensive solution for parents who want to keep their kids safe online.
Bark Parental Control is a monitoring and filtering tool that provides parents with insight into their children’s online activity. It is an app that can be installed on a child’s device, and it works by monitoring texts, social media, and email accounts, as well as detecting potential online threats, such as cyberbullying, sexting, and suicidal ideation. Bark Parental Control is highly rated by both parents and experts.
Key Attributes
- Easy Installation and Setup
- Comprehensive Monitoring
- Intelligent Alerts
- Social Media Monitoring
- Screen Time Management
- Parental Dashboard
- Compatibility with Multiple Devices
- Secure Data Storage
- Customer Support
Pros
- Comprehensive Monitoring
- Social Media Monitoring
- Screen Time Management
- Intelligent Alerts
- Parental Dashboard
- Compatibility with Multiple Devices
- Secure Data Storage
- Customer Support
Cons
- No Geofencing Feature
- No Keylogging
Conclusion
It is crucial for parents to establish parental controls on YouTube to ensure the safety of their children while they are online. YouTube provides several tools and options, including the YouTube Kids app and Restricted Mode, to help parents create a safer online environment for their kids.
Additionally, monitoring YouTube activity and using tools like Bark Parental Control can provide parents with further insight into their children’s online activity and help make the platform more kid-friendly. By utilizing these resources, parents can better protect their children from the potential risks associated with online content.
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