how to set parental controls on YouTube

July 6, 2025 USA

YouTube offers several ways to set parental controls, depending on your specific needs and the age of the child you’re trying to protect:

1. Supervised Accounts (For younger kids – typically under 13, depending on your local laws):

  • How it Works: This is YouTube’s dedicated system for younger children. You link your Google account to your child’s and choose a content setting:

    • Explore: For children ready to move on from YouTube Kids and explore content suitable for ages 9+.
    • Explore More: For content generally suitable for ages 13+.
    • Most of YouTube: Nearly all videos on YouTube, except for age-restricted content.

  • Benefits:

    • Filters content based on age-appropriateness.
    • Allows you to manage watch history and search history.
    • You can block specific channels or videos.
    • Prevents access to live streaming.
    • Prevents comments, creating posts, and live chat.
    • They can use YouTube Music Kids if they are in a region where it’s available.
    • Important: YouTube states that even with these filters, inappropriate videos can still slip through.

  • How to Set Up (This requires you to have a Google account for your child if they don’t have one):

    1. Create a Google Account for your child (if they don’t have one):

      • Use Google’s Family Link app (available for Android and iOS). Follow the instructions to create an account and manage it with your own Google account. Note: There are age restrictions depending on the country. In the US, it’s typically for children under 13.
      • If your child already has a Google account (e.g., older than 13 or created before you knew to use Family Link), you can try to add it to Family Link. However, your child may have to consent, and depending on their age, they can choose to disable supervision.

    2. Link Your Account: Once your child has a Google account managed by Family Link, go to YouTube on a computer or in the YouTube app on your child’s device.

    3. Switch to the Supervised Account: Sign in with your child’s Google account. YouTube will then prompt you to set up supervision. Follow the prompts to choose a content setting ("Explore," "Explore More," or "Most of YouTube").

    4. Manage Settings: You can manage the settings and content filters in the Family Link app, in the Google account settings online, or by going to youtube.com/myaccount while logged in as your child. You can also block specific videos or channels here.

    This is the most comprehensive parental control option provided by YouTube.

2. Restricted Mode (For older kids/teens, or as a secondary measure):

  • How it Works: Restricted Mode filters out potentially mature content based on community flagging, age restrictions, and other signals. It’s not perfect and can block some innocent videos while missing others.

  • Benefits: Easy to enable, doesn’t require a separate account.

  • Limitations:

    • Not foolproof – inappropriate content can still get through.
    • Overly sensitive at times – blocks some harmless videos.
    • Anyone can disable it if they have access to the account and device (unless you lock it).

  • How to Enable:

    1. On a Computer:

      • Sign in to YouTube.
      • Click your profile icon in the top right corner.
      • Scroll down and click "Restricted Mode: Off."
      • Toggle the "Activate Restricted Mode" to "On."
      • Optional: Lock Restricted Mode for this browser: Click "Lock Restricted Mode on this browser." This prevents others from turning it off if they are using the same browser profile on the same computer.

    2. In the YouTube App (Android & iOS):

      • Sign in to YouTube.
      • Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
      • Tap "Settings."
      • Tap "General."
      • Toggle "Restricted Mode" to "On."

    3. Locking Restricted Mode in the app: On some devices (especially iOS), you can lock Restricted Mode using device-level parental controls. This prevents someone from simply turning it off in the app’s settings. This is usually found in the Screen Time settings on iOS. On Android, you may be able to do this with a third-party app locker or device-level parental controls.

3. YouTube Kids App (For very young children):

  • How it Works: A separate app designed specifically for preschool-aged children. It offers a curated selection of videos, channels, and playlists deemed appropriate for young viewers. Parents can create profiles for each child and customize their experience.

  • Benefits:

    • Simple interface designed for young children.
    • Hand-picked content.
    • Parental controls for blocking videos/channels and setting timers.
    • Search controls: You can choose to allow or disable searching.

  • Limitations:

    • Limited content compared to the main YouTube app.
    • Even with curation, inappropriate content can still slip through, though YouTube tries to minimize it.

  • How to Use:

    1. Download the YouTube Kids app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
    2. Sign in with your Google account.
    3. Create a profile for your child.
    4. Choose a content level (Preschool, Younger, Older). Alternatively, you can approve content yourself.
    5. Explore the app and its parental control settings. You can block videos/channels, set timers to limit usage, and disable searching.

4. Third-Party Parental Control Apps & Device Settings:

  • How it Works: Utilize parental control apps that operate at the device level (e.g., Qustodio, Net Nanny, Bark) or the operating system level (e.g., Screen Time on iOS, Family Link on Android). These apps offer a wider range of features, including app usage limits, website filtering, location tracking, and screen time management.

  • Benefits:

    • More comprehensive control over device usage, not just YouTube.
    • Often includes features like website filtering and app blocking.
    • Can monitor and limit screen time.
    • Location tracking (if desired).

  • Limitations:

    • Cost – many of these apps require a subscription.
    • Can be bypassed if the child is tech-savvy.
    • May require installing software on both the parent’s and child’s devices.

5. Manual Monitoring & Education:

  • How it Works: The most important control. Actively watch videos with your child, discuss online safety, and teach them about responsible digital citizenship. This is essential, regardless of which technical controls you use. Teach them to come to you if they see something that makes them uncomfortable.

  • Benefits:

    • Empowers children to make good choices.
    • Fosters open communication.
    • Helps children develop critical thinking skills about online content.

  • Limitations:

    • Requires time and effort.
    • Relies on trust and communication.

Key Considerations & Tips:

  • No solution is perfect. All of these methods can be bypassed or circumvented. A combination of approaches is often best.
  • Age appropriateness is subjective. What’s appropriate for one child may not be for another. Consider your child’s maturity level.
  • Talk to your child. Explain why you’re setting these controls and involve them in the process (age-appropriately). Discuss online safety and responsible digital citizenship.
  • Be consistent. Enforce the rules you set and be consistent in your approach.
  • Stay informed. YouTube’s policies and features change regularly. Keep up-to-date on the latest parental control options.
  • Consider your child’s access points: Are they watching on a shared computer, their own tablet, a phone, a smart TV? You’ll need to configure parental controls on each device.
  • Regularly review: Periodically check your child’s watch history, search history, and the apps they’re using.
  • Family Link limitations: Family Link is a powerful tool, but it has limitations. Older children may resist supervision. Be prepared to discuss boundaries and expectations.

By combining these methods and staying actively involved in your child’s online experience, you can create a safer and more positive YouTube experience for them.

Here’s a FAQ section about setting parental controls on YouTube:

FAQ about YouTube Parental Controls

What are YouTube parental controls?

YouTube parental controls are features designed to help parents manage what their children can watch and do on the YouTube platform. They aim to create a safer viewing experience by limiting access to potentially inappropriate content.

How do I set up parental controls on a regular YouTube account for my child?

YouTube itself doesn’t offer a direct way to set controls on a regular account. Your best option is to use YouTube Kids (explained below) or closely supervise their viewing history and subscribed channels. You can also report and block channels or videos you find unsuitable.

What is YouTube Kids, and how does it help?

YouTube Kids is a separate app and website specifically designed for children. It features kid-friendly videos and offers parental controls, including content settings based on age, search history viewing, and time limit.

How do I set up YouTube Kids?

  1. Download the YouTube Kids app (available on iOS and Android).
  2. Sign in with your Google account.
  3. Create a profile for your child, entering their name and age.
  4. Choose a content setting (Preschool, Younger, Older). These settings filter videos based on age appropriateness.
  5. Configure other controls, such as time limits.

What are the different content settings in YouTube Kids?

  • Preschool: (ages 4 and under) Focuses on videos that promote creativity, play, and learning.
  • Younger: (ages 5-8) Includes content for older preschoolers and early elementary school children.
  • Older: (ages 9-12) Expands the range of content but still filters out mature themes.
  • Approve content yourself: You can manually approve every video or channel your child can access. This is the most restrictive option.

Can I block specific videos or channels on YouTube Kids?

Yes. While watching a video, tap the three dots (menu) and select "Block this video" or "Block this channel." This prevents your child from seeing that content again on their YouTube Kids profile.

How do I set a timer in YouTube Kids?

In the YouTube Kids app:

  1. Tap the lock icon in the bottom corner of the screen.
  2. Complete the math problem or enter your custom passcode.
  3. Select "Timer."
  4. Set the desired amount of time and tap "Start Timer."

How do I review my child’s watch history on YouTube Kids?

  1. Tap the lock icon in the bottom corner of the screen.
  2. Complete the math problem or enter your custom passcode.
  3. Select "History." This will show you the videos your child has recently watched.

Can I allow my child to access regular YouTube content from YouTube Kids?

You can enable a setting that lets your child transition to the regular YouTube app if they have a supervised Google account. However, note that parental controls on regular YouTube are less granular than those in YouTube Kids. To do so:

  1. Go to your child’s Google Account Family Link settings.
  2. Find YouTube settings
  3. Enable YouTube access.

Are YouTube parental controls foolproof?

No, YouTube parental controls are not perfect. New content is constantly being uploaded, and filters may sometimes miss inappropriate videos. It’s crucial to regularly review your child’s activity, have open conversations about online safety, and teach them to report content they find concerning. Active parental involvement is the most effective way to protect your child online.

Okay, here’s an H2 FAQ section with 10 common questions about how to set parental controls on YouTube, tailored for clarity and human readability, focusing on how to set parental controls on YouTube effectively.

YouTube Parental Controls: Your Questions Answered

This section aims to answer common questions regarding how to set parental controls on YouTube. We understand the need to ensure a safer online environment for children and teens using YouTube. This FAQ provides simple and straightforward guidance on how to set parental controls on YouTube across various devices and accounts.
==========

How do I set up parental controls on YouTube using a supervised account?

Supervised accounts are linked to a parent’s Google account and allow control over content settings and time limits. Learn how to set parental controls on YouTube by setting age restrictions and monitoring activity through Family Link. The parent can customize the experience based on the child’s maturity level and needs.
==========

What’s the difference between a supervised account and restricted mode on YouTube?

Supervised accounts offer more comprehensive parental controls than restricted mode. Restricted Mode is a setting that filters out potentially mature content, but supervised accounts allow parents to set specific content ratings and screen time limits. Understanding the difference is important when figuring out how to set parental controls on YouTube for your specific needs.
==========

How do I turn on Restricted Mode on YouTube?

Restricted Mode can be enabled through the YouTube app or website settings. Turning on the option filters potentially mature content. It’s an easy setting to implement, but it’s not foolproof since users can turn it off. Still, learning how to set parental controls on YouTube with restricted mode is a good first step.
==========

Can I block specific channels or videos on YouTube?

Yes, supervised accounts give you the ability to block specific channels or videos that you don’t want your child to watch. This is a crucial feature for managing the content your child encounters. Knowing how to set parental controls on YouTube to block certain content offers better customization.
==========

How can I see what my child is watching on YouTube?

With supervised accounts, you can monitor your child’s viewing history on YouTube via the Family Link app or website. This allows you to stay informed about the content they are consuming and intervene if necessary. When you learn how to set parental controls on YouTube this is the best way to monitor what your kids are doing.
==========

How do I manage screen time for YouTube?

YouTube offers screen time management tools within supervised accounts and via the Family Link app. This helps set limits on how long your child can spend watching YouTube each day. Screen time limits help prevent overuse and encourage other activities. Using screen time management tools is an important aspect of how to set parental controls on YouTube.
==========

What age is appropriate for unsupervised YouTube access?

This depends on the child’s maturity and your comfort level. YouTube requires users to be 13 or older to have an unsupervised account. Parents must evaluate if their teen can manage unsupervised YouTube access responsibly. It’s an important decision in learning how to set parental controls on YouTube
==========

How do I know if my child is bypassing the parental controls?

Regularly check your child’s viewing history and device settings. You may also want to discuss online safety with them and explain the reasons behind the parental controls. Open communication is vital. Knowing how to set parental controls on YouTube is only half the battle.
==========

What should I do if I see inappropriate content despite the parental controls?

Report the content to YouTube and block the channel if necessary. Additionally, review your parental control settings and adjust them as needed. Reporting inappropriate content to YouTube is an important safety measure to consider when discussing how to set parental controls on YouTube.
==========

Where can I find more resources about online safety for kids?

Common Sense Media, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and YouTube’s Safety Center offer helpful information and resources about online safety for children. Educating yourself and your child is key to fostering a safe online experience. This is a great resource when learning how to set parental controls on YouTube.

←    
→