YOUTUBE
YOUTUBE
22/07/2025
You Tube are increasing the minimum age required to live stream to 16 years old. This means that creators will need to be 16 or older to be able to live stream on YouTube. Live streams featuring 13-15 year olds who are not visibly accompanied by an adult may have their live chat disabled and the account may temporarily lose access to live chat or other features. |
MINIMUM AGE: 13+ (to create a channel)
WHAT IS IT? YouTube is a website and app where people can watch, share, upload and comment on videos. You can create your own YouTube account and even create your own channel. It also allows live streaming. WHAT WE SAY: Treat with caution. Download and share our poster. ✅ POSITIVE THEMES
⚠️WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW? 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate Content Despite YouTube’s efforts to filter videos, children may still come across content that includes strong language, violence, or adult themes not suitable for younger viewers. 🎮 Game Concerns Videos related to gaming might sometimes include violent or age-inappropriate material, so it’s important to monitor what games your child is watching. 📢 Lack of Advert Moderation Children can be exposed to adverts or influencer promotions that are not always clearly identified or regulated, making it harder to distinguish advertising from genuine content. 💸 In-App Purchases Some videos promote games or apps that encourage spending real money, which can be a concern if children make purchases without parental consent. 📺 Live Streaming Risks Live streams happen in real-time and are not reviewed beforehand. This can expose children to unpredictable or inappropriate content and interactions. 🤖 Algorithmic Exposure YouTube’s recommendation system suggests videos based on viewing history, which can sometimes lead children down a path of increasingly unsuitable or sensational content. 📱 Cyberbullying and Harassment Comments and live chats can expose children to bullying, spam, or negative messages, even if there are tools to block or report users. 💬 Direct Messaging Private messaging features can be misused to contact children inappropriately or for bullying. 🧑💻 Online Predators & Grooming Unmonitored interaction may increase the risk of contact with online predators who try to exploit or groom children. 🔐 Privacy Concerns YouTube collects data on user behaviour, raising concerns about sharing personal information and targeted advertising. 🔓 Scams & Account Theft Children’s accounts can be vulnerable to phishing or hacking attempts, potentially compromising personal information. 🧠 Addiction & Mental Health The endless stream of videos and algorithm-driven recommendations can lead to excessive screen time, impacting sleep, wellbeing, and mental health. |
🛡️SAFETY TIPS:
📲 Understand the Platform Familiarise yourself with how the platform works, including features like videos, stories, comments, and live streaming. Knowing the app helps you guide your child more effectively. 👨👧New Screen Time Controls: YouTube Kids has added enhanced screen time management tools, letting parents set daily limits, pause the app remotely, and review watched content. Personalised recommendations are now age-based, giving families more control while keeping children engaged with safe, appropriate videos. 👨👧 Parental Supervision Regularly check your child’s activity and interactions. Use available privacy settings to control who can see their content and contact them. 💸 Limit In-App Purchases Set spending limits or disable purchases linked to the app (e.g., buying channel memberships or badges) to avoid unexpected charges. 🚨 Avoid Unofficial Apps and Downloads Only use official apps from trusted sources like the App Store or Google Play to prevent malware or security risks. 📢 Be Aware of Age Restrictions Most social media platforms have minimum age requirements, but age verification are often weak. Be aware that children might create accounts with false birthdates. 👥 Manage Friend Requests and Followers Encourage your child to only accept friend or follower requests from people they know personally. 📷 Protect Privacy During Live Streams and Stories Advise your child to be cautious when sharing live videos or stories. They should cover webcams when not in use and be mindful of what appears in the background. 🧠 Trust Your Instincts If anything or anyone online makes your child feel uneasy, encourage them to leave the chat or block and report the user. 🖥️ Place Devices in Shared Spaces Keep devices where internet access is visible to adults, such as living rooms or kitchens, to make monitoring easier and reduce risky behaviour. 🙋♀️ Have Open Conversations Talk regularly about online safety topics like cyberbullying, grooming, body image, and how to seek help or report concerns. 🚨 Know the Signs of Trouble Watch for changes like anxiety, secrecy, mood swings, or deleting apps suddenly—these might indicate online issues needing attention. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you discover criminal content when online then report it directly to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation. If you're worried about online grooming or sexual behaviour online then report directly to the police or contact CEOP. For Children & young people if they're worried or want to talk, encourage them to contact Childline Online or call 0800 1111. Check out our Resource Centre for further information and useful online safety tips. 
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