Complete Parent Guide

Everything you need to know about YouTube safety for kids

Quick Start: Safer YouTube in 5 Minutes

Download YouTube Kids for children under 13 (safest option)

Set up Family Link for teens using regular YouTube

Use StreamSafe Kids to check channels before allowing access

Block problematic channels using the instructions below

Regular check-ins about what they're watching

How to Block YouTube Channels

YouTube Kids App

Recommended for Under 13

Steps to block a channel:

Open the YouTube Kids app
Find any video from the channel you want to block
Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) on the video
Select "Block this channel"
Confirm the action

Pro Tip: You can unblock channels anytime in the app settings under "Blocked content"

Family Link Supervised YouTube

For Teens

Steps to block a channel:

Go to the channel page on YouTube
Click the "About" tab
Click the flag icon → "Report user"
Select "Block channel for children"
Choose which child account to block for

📱 On mobile: Channel page → More (3 dots) → Block channel for children

Restricted Mode (Limited)

Important: Restricted Mode on regular YouTube only filters content by maturity signals—you cannot block specific channels. For better control, use YouTube Kids or Family Link supervised accounts.

Age-Specific Viewing Guidance

Ages 6 and Under

Recommended: YouTube Kids app only, with strict parental supervision

• Always watch together
• Use timer controls in YouTube Kids
• Turn off search functionality
• Curate approved channels only

E10+

Ages 7-10

Recommended: YouTube Kids or supervised regular YouTube

• Preview new channels before approval
• Set viewing time limits
• Regular discussions about content
• Block channels with concerning themes

Ages 11-15

Recommended: Regular YouTube with Family Link parental controls

• Use Family Link for oversight
• Discuss content themes and values
• Monitor for concerning behavior changes
• Teach critical thinking about online content

16+

Ages 16 and Up

Recommended: More independence with open communication

• Maintain open dialogue about content
• Discuss media literacy and critical thinking
• Be available for questions and concerns
• Monitor for signs of problematic content consumption

Warning Signs to Watch For

Behavioral Changes

• Hiding screen when you approach
• Sudden mood or behavior changes
• Using unfamiliar slang or language
• Nightmares or increased anxiety
• Requesting expensive items frequently

Content Red Flags

• Excessive focus on money/purchases
• Adult themes in "kid-friendly" content
• Aggressive or violent behavior modeling
• Inappropriate language normalization
• Secretive about viewing habits

Official Resources & Support

eSafety Commissioner - Parent Resources

Australia's official online safety authority with comprehensive parent guides

Parental Controls Setup Guide

Step-by-step instructions for setting up parental controls across all platforms

YouTube Kids Official Help

Google's official documentation for YouTube Kids setup and management

Google Family Link

Set up supervised accounts and parental controls for teens

Platform Comparison

Feature	YouTube Kids	Family Link	Restricted Mode
Block specific channels	✅	✅	❌
Age-based filtering	✅	✅	✅
Time limits	✅	✅	❌
Search control	✅	✅	❌
Best for age	Under 13	13-17	Basic filtering

If You're Concerned

If your child has been exposed to harmful content:

Stay calm and create a safe space for discussion
Ask open-ended questions about what they saw
Reassure them they're not in trouble for telling you
Report harmful content to YouTube and relevant authorities
Consider professional support if needed

Australia: Contact eSafety Commissioner at esafety.gov.au/report