YOUTUBE + Youtube kids
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MINIMUM AGE: 13+
What Is YouTube? (And How It Differs from YouTube Kids) YouTube is a video-sharing platform where users can watch, upload, and interact with videos on almost any topic. Because it’s designed for a general audience, children may come across content that isn’t age-appropriate without supervision. YouTube Kids is a separate app created specifically for children, offering filtered content, simpler features, and parental controls like screen-time limits, profile settings, and the ability to block or approve videos. WHAT WE SAY: Treat with caution. 🔞 Exposure to Inappropriate Content While YouTube has policies, age restrictions, and filtering systems to protect younger viewers, children may still occasionally encounter videos with strong language, violence, or mature themes, especially on the main platform. 🎮 Game Content Considerations Gaming videos can include content that may not be suitable for all ages, such as violent gameplay or mature commentary, so it’s helpful for parents to stay aware of what their child is watching. 📢 Advertising & Paid Promotion Children may see adverts, sponsorships, or influencer promotions. Although YouTube provides disclosures for paid content, younger viewers may still find it difficult to recognise advertising. 💸 Spending Influences Some videos promote games, apps, or products that encourage spending money, which may lead to pressure or requests for purchases. 📺 Live Streaming Risks Live streams are broadcast in real time and may be less predictable, meaning children could be exposed to content or conversations that haven’t been reviewed beforehand. 🤖 Recommendations & Algorithmic Exposure YouTube’s recommendation system suggests videos based on viewing history. While designed to surface relevant content, it can sometimes lead children toward sensational or less suitable videos without supervision. 📱 Cyberbullying Comments and live chats can expose young viewers to unkind language, spam, or negative interactions, although tools exist to block or report users. 💬 Communication Features On the main YouTube platform, features like comments or live chat may allow interaction with others, which can sometimes be misused if not supervised. 🧑💻 Online Predators & Grooming As with many online platforms, open interaction spaces may create opportunities for unwanted contact, so supervision and privacy settings are important. 🔐 Privacy Concerns YouTube collects viewing and usage data to personalise recommendations and improve the service, which can raise considerations around data privacy and targeted advertising. 🔓 Scams & Misleading Content Children may encounter misleading links, clickbait, or attempts to direct them to external sites, making it important to teach critical thinking and safe browsing habits. 🧠 Screen Time & Wellbeing Because videos autoplay and recommendations are continuous, children may spend longer watching than intended. Features like Take a Break and Bedtime reminders can help support healthier viewing habits. |
🛡️SAFETY TIPS:
🧒📺 Click here to find out how YouTube supports young users with parental controls, age-appropriate content settings, and wellbeing tools. It also highlights resources to help parents guide children to use YouTube safely and responsibly. 📲 Understand the app - Familiarise yourself with the platforms features and how they work. Knowing how the app works will help you guide your child effectively. 👨👧 Parental supervision - Check their interactions and adjust privacy settings accordingly. Try to stay up-to-date on Internet trends and best practices. 👥 Managing Friend Requests - Encourage your child to only accept friend requests from people they know and trust in real life. Remind them that “friends of friends” online may still be strangers, and mutual connections do not automatically make someone safe. 📷 Webcam Safety - Talk to your child about covering their webcam when it’s not in use. Help them understand the importance of being aware of what’s visible in the background during video calls, as personal items or surroundings can reveal location clues. 🧠 Trusting Their Instincts - Reassure your child that if something feels uncomfortable, they should leave the chat immediately. Encourage them not to engage with anyone who seems suspicious, aggressive, or inappropriate, and to tell a trusted adult. 🖥️ Keeping Devices in Shared Spaces - Where possible, keep internet-connected devices in shared areas such as living rooms or kitchens rather than bedrooms. This can help reduce risky behaviour and makes it easier to supervise online activity naturally. 🚨 Recognising Warning Signs - Be aware of changes in your child’s behaviour, such as increased anxiety, secrecy, mood swings, or suddenly deleting apps. These may indicate that something concerning has happened online. 💬 Keeping Communication Open - Have regular, open conversations about online safety, including topics such as bullying, grooming, sexual or criminal exploitation, body image pressures, and how to report concerns or seek support. Creating a safe space for discussion helps children feel comfortable coming to you if something goes wrong. FURTHER SUPPORT: For parents/ carers If you're worried about your child or need support call NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. If you see suspected child sexual abuse content online, report it to the police or the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which helps remove illegal images from the internet. If you’re worried about online sexual exploitation or abuse, you can make a report to Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) - a UK law enforcement team dedicated to protecting children and young people online. 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 Factsheets for further information and useful online safety tips. 
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