YouTube Parental Controls are quite important for parents whose children use YouTube. While YouTube is an amazing platform that allows people to watch anything that they wish, it is also a place where violent and sexual content is also available, and if your kid is using the application then, I am sure that you would want your child to be safe on this app.
YouTube is not always the place where you can only view funny and educational content, and this is why you need to know about YouTube Parental Controls to ensure that your child is not subjected to material suited for their age. You need to make sure that you are following all the instructions and commands that we are giving here in this guide to make sure that your child does not take a wrong turn-on.
What is the restricted mode on YouTube?
The restricted mode on YouTube is one of the best things that people can use to ensure that their children cannot access the inappropriate content present on this platform.
If you enable YouTube restricted mode, then, it will filter out the mature, violent, and other inappropriate content present on this app. The feature will also make it difficult for your kid to access the content flagged as unsuitable by YouTube using the guidelines of the YouTube community. The restricted mode is created by the makers of the application to ensure that children cannot access explicit content here. Now, if you do not know how to enable YouTube Restricted mode then, you do not need to worry as we are going to tell you about the same here.
What is the process to enable YouTube Parental Controls?
If you are looking for the correct steps that will tell you how to put parental controls on YouTube, then, we are going to explain the steps that you can follow in your browser and your mobile phone to turn on restricted mode. They are explained below in detail:
On a Web Browser
If your child is using YouTube on a web browser, then, you can very easily refer to the instructions that we are giving here to enable the restricted mode.
- Access the YouTube home screen on your web browser and log into the account of your child.
- Use the profile icon present in the upper corner of the website to access the menu.
- Now, you will be able to see the Restricted Mode: Off option at the bottom.
- You need to activate the restricted mode by turning the slider on and also make sure that you lock the feature.
- This can be done by using the option ‘Lock restricted mode on this browser. This will ensure that your child can not turn the restricted mode off.
These commands will help you establish YouTube Parental Controls on the web browser for the safety of your child.
On your Mobile
However, if you wish to turn on the restricted mode on your mobile phone then, you need to use the directions provided here. The process is similar for both Android and iOS devices; however, you can see a few differences, but this will not affect the process.
- Launch the YouTube Mobile application and log into your child’s account to enable the restricted mode.
- On the bottom of the screen, you will see the profile icon. Hit the same and then, look for the General Settings under the settings on the app.
- To turn on restricted mode, you just need to hit the button present in front of the feature.
- Now, you need to restart the application. After this, you will see that the platform will not display inappropriate and unsuitable content for your child to view.
We hope that you have understood the process by which you can use YouTube Parental Controls to ensure that your child is not accessing content suited for them. The restricted mode is quite effective; however, you should not completely rely on this feature only.
You can use the Family Link app to link your child’s and your Google account for parental supervision, as this will allow you to control all the features and settings of your child’s YouTube account. With these features, you can ensure that social media is a safe space for your child.
Other Tips to Protect Your Kids on YouTube
In our opinion, setting boundaries and restrictions is not always the best choice to prevent your kids from online harm. So, there are other tips you can apply to safeguard them. They are explained below in detail:
- Have an Open Conversation
Your kid is smart enough to disable the mode you have set, and online hackers are clever enough to find a way to target your child.
Here, nothing is as effective as a simple conversation. Having an understanding conversation with them will make them ensure that you are only concerned about their online safety and mental health, and not against them.
They will surely understand the matter and will adhere to your conception.
- Educate Them about Online Safety:
Pre-teens might not be aware of the dark sides of the virtual world so, apart from the open conversation, it is crucial to educate them about YouTube safety and make them aware of what is wrong and right.
Also, what content and ads are suitable for their age, and how some fake websites can steal their personal information.
- Help them Develop hobbies:
Encourage your kids to unleash their creative minds and participate in other activities.
It may take time to make them adapt to new schedules, but once they get habitual to it, there’s no comeback.
It will not only reduce screen time but will make them explore the real world.
Conclusion
This post mainly aims to make Parents aware of YouTube’s Parental Control to let them monitor the activities their kids see and do on this app.
So that by customizing this tool on YouTube, parents can ensure that their kids are not exposed to inappropriate content and are safe.