Is Youtube for kids app safe? (Update 2023)

Recently updated on November 5th, 2023 at 09:13 pm

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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. 

In this blog,  we will go through some updates introduced by Youtube. We will also answer your question is YouTube for kids app safe? and other safety measures you can take to protect children when using the app. 

Is the Youtube app safe for tweens? (update 2023)

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:

  1. 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. 
  2. 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. 
    • youtube for kids safe

Update on Youtube for kids app (2020)

The app is now available on Apple TV & Amazon Fire TV.

Is Youtube for kids app free?

Youtube Kids app is free to download and consists of content that is appropriate for children. It can be downloaded from the play store or the Apple store.

Inside the Youtube for kids app :

When you open the Youtube kids app you will find that the app is divided into 5 sections :

  1. Recommended: shows recommended by Youtube Kids
  2. Shows: current trending shows
  3. Music 
  4. Learning: educational programs
  5. Explore

What is the age limit of Youtube for kids app?

The Youtube app is for anyone above the age of 13 years old. Children between the age of 13 and 17 need parental permission before using the app.

But Youtube for kids app can be used by children as young as two years old. 

It has plenty of videos appropriate for toddlers.  For example, nursery rhymes, phonic videos and many more.

A short video showing what it like :

YouTube player

 

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 KidsTED-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.

Have you tried the app? Let me know your thoughts? What you like and dislike from it.

10 funny Youtube kids videos:

Many viral videos on Youtube get over million views that may not be suitable for children.

The reason may be because inappropriate language or humor is not catered for children. 

However, there some really fun viral kids videos on Youtube. Here are some of the top ones :

  1. Don’t laugh challenge

This is a collection of funny videos around the “Try Not To Laugh” challenge. 

2. Baby laughing

This is a classic video that has been around since 2008. The video has over 87 million views. 

The simple video showing a Swedish father that makes weird sounds to make his baby laugh is loved by millions. 

The Queen of England even watched this video. 

YouTube player

3. Charlie bit my finger

This is 2 adorable brothers, Harry and Charlie from the United Kingdom who became famous on YouTube from this video. 

The boy’s father was just goofing around when Harry said “Charlie bit my finger” in the funniest British tone.

This video definitely puts a smile on anyone’s face.

YouTube player

4. The real Cuppycake video

This cute video by a 3-year-old, Amy Castle was recorded in 1994. It is adorable. It is called “The Cuppycake Song”. It has over 24 million views on Youtube

5. Dancing Kids

Children dancing are always cute and adorable. So check out this one and be prepared to laugh

6. Ping Pong Baby

The majority of toddlers would struggle to hold a ping pong bat, but Jamie mastered it quickly and is not shy to show off his skills on the internet. 

YouTube player

7. Baby Gangnam Style

I am sure you remember Gangam style. The song can be annoying to some people, but when you watch children dancing to it then it’s pure entertainment.

YouTube player

 

FAQ about Youtube for kids App : 

Is Youtube kids app safe for children?

Yes, the Youtube Kids app is relatively safe for children. There could be a small chance of inappropriate content slipping through but majority of the content is safe. There is also other content like toy reviews, junk food ads, etc which you may want to avoid your children from watching. 

But overall using the Youtube Kids app is much safer than the Youtube app for grown up..

Youtube for Kids app Versus Youtube app:

The Youtube Kids app is made for children. The content is in the app is age-appropriate. On the other hand, the Youtube app is made for adults and has much content not suitable for young children. 

For example, the Youtube app will have music, languages, and videos which may contain nudity and inappropriate comment for children to read. 

Hence, the Youtube Kids is safer for children to use. 

What are some of the risks of Youtube app:?

  • Sexual music or videos
  • Violence
  • Bullying
  • Self-harm
  • Drugs, alcohol and cigarette. 

Finally, before you go don’t forget to check this out

The growth-mindset kit made to help kids discover challenges with confidence. 

packed with amazing worksheets, including ways to manage anxiety and helping children develop positive habits.

Growth Mindset Mit

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Parven founded Kids N Clicks after obtaining her MSc in Corporate Governance from the London School of Economics. She worked as a business studies and digital marketing lecturer. Internet Matters recognizes her profound knowledge of online safety, dubbing her an Internet safety expert. At Kids N Clicks, Parven keeps abreast of the newest apps. Drawing from her teaching background, she fervently promotes screen-free activities for students and encourages introspective thinking through journaling, games and writing prompts.

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