YouTube has launched new parental controls and content guidelines for children and teenagers on its platform. Parents can now use Shorts time limits, a blocking feature, and screen time reminders to make their children’s digital experience safer and more controlled.
In the digital world, children’s and teenagers’ (Teen Viewers) use of YouTube has become a major concern regarding safety and health. To address this concern, YouTube recently announced a new range of parental control features and updated content guidelines. These updates aim to give parents better control over their children’s screen time, content exposure, and video viewing habits, especially when they use short-form videos like Shorts.
The biggest change is the introduction of a time limit feature for YouTube Shorts, which allows parents to set how long their child can watch Shorts each day, from 15 minutes to 2 hours, and soon a “Zero Minutes” option will also be available, allowing parents to completely disable Shorts if they wish. In addition, YouTube has introduced features such as customizable bedtime and “Take a Break” reminders, improved content quality, and simplified account management for parents.
Details of the New Parental Control Features
Shorts Scroll Time Limit
Under the new update, parents can set time limits for YouTube Shorts, such as 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or 2 hours. Most importantly, a “Zero Minutes” option will soon be available, allowing parents to completely block Shorts for their children, for example, during homework or bedtime.
Custom Bedtime and Take a Break Reminders
YouTube is now giving parents the option to set customized bedtime and “Take a Break” reminders. This feature already existed, but it has been further improved for users under 18. Parents can set specific times for when video viewing should stop at night and when their child should take a break. This will help maintain a healthy balance of screen time.
Content Quality and Teen-Focused Guidelines
YouTube has also introduced a new blueprint aimed at ensuring that teenagers are shown age-appropriate and high-quality content.
Why are these changes important?
Today, children’s exposure to online platforms has increased so much that the risks of excessive screen time and inappropriate content have also risen significantly. It has become crucial for large platforms like YouTube to update their safety and digital well-being tools. Excessive screen time can not only affect children’s studies but also impact their mental health and sleep. Giving parents more control will ensure that children’s digital experience remains safe, healthy, and balanced.
