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YouTube is the largest online video platform today, offering countless videos that contribute to the healthy development of children. However, it also hosts a significant amount of content unsuitable for young viewers. If you come across such a channel, it’s essential to learn how to block YouTube channels to protect your children from inappropriate material.
1. Why Parents Need to Monitor Content on YouTube
Most children love using YouTube, as it provides access to virtually anything. While there is valuable content, there is also harmful material, leading many parents to worry about what their kids are exposed to. Without proper supervision, children may encounter unhealthy videos that negatively impact their mental, emotional, and physical development.
A study reveals that 80% of children aged 11 and younger have started watching YouTube, despite the official age limit being 13 and above. Another survey indicates that 53% of parents allow their children to watch YouTube daily. Indeed, YouTube is a vast resource offering both entertaining and educational content for kids. However, age-inappropriate videos also exist, requiring parents to carefully filter content before allowing their children unrestricted access to the platform.
2. Method 1: Using the YouTube Kids App
The quickest and most effective solution for parents is to use the YouTube Kids app. Designed specifically for children, this platform ensures no age-inappropriate videos are displayed. Parents can also customize content settings for kids aged 8–12, 4–8, and under 4 years old.
All videos on YouTube Kids undergo strict content moderation to ensure child safety. Parents can also access curated playlists created and approved by content moderators.
To start using YouTube Kids, follow the instructions below:
Step 1: Open a web browser on your computer and visit the website https://www.youtubekids.com/.
On your phone, download the YouTube Kids app from AppStore or Google Play.
On the YouTube Kids welcome screen, select I’m a Parent.
Step 2: Click Next.
Alternatively, select “let your child sign in with their supervised Google account” (if your child already has a Google account for kids).
Step 3: Enter your year of birth.
Step 4: Watch the YouTube introduction video, then click Next.
Step 5: Select Sign In and log in using your Google account.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Parental Consent → Next.
Step 6: Now, you’ll reach the profile creation page for your child. Enter Your Child’s Name, Age, and Birth Month.
Click the pencil icon below the Profile Picture to choose a different avatar for your child.
Click Next to proceed.
Step 7: On the content selection screen, choose the appropriate age group for your child.
Step 8: You can choose whether to allow your child to use the search feature or not.
Step 9: Review YouTube’s instructions to access parental controls later. Once you’ve noted the instructions, click Done.
Now, YouTube Kids is ready for your child to use, and you no longer need to worry about inappropriate programs or videos.
3. Method 2: Block YouTube Channels to Prevent Children from Watching
Alternatively, if you want to block a YouTube channel yourself to ensure your child cannot watch videos from it, follow the steps below.
3.1 On Regular YouTube
On the regular version of YouTube, you cannot directly block a channel. However, you can use the “Don’t recommend this channel” feature to prevent videos from that channel from appearing on your homepage. Content from the channel can still be found through search or direct links.
Step 1: Access YouTube on your computer or phone.
Step 2: Scroll through the homepage to find a video from the channel you want to block, or actively search for the channel.
Step 3: Click the three dots next to any video from that channel and select Don’t recommend this channel.
3.2 On YouTube Kids
On YouTube Kids, if you find a channel that doesn’t meet your standards, you can block it at any time.
Step 1: Open YouTube Kids on your phone or computer.
Step 2: Click on the channel name below the video to access its profile page (or search for the channel directly).
Step 3: Once on the channel’s profile page, click the three dots next to the channel name and select Block this channel.
Monitoring the content children watch on YouTube is crucial, especially given the abundance of harmful material online. Using YouTube Kids and blocking inappropriate channels are effective strategies many parents adopt. We hope this guide helps you create a safe and enriching online environment for your child!
