by TeachThought Staff
A Parent & Teacher Guide To The YouTube Kids App
As streaming video becomes a cornerstone of childhood, many parents and educators find themselves looking for curated, safer digital spaces. YouTube Kids was created to be one such space. But what is it, how does it work, and is it right for your children or students? Below is a quick FAQ and a more detailed overview of the platform’s features and mission.
YouTube Kids: An FAQ For Educators & Parents
What is YouTube Kids?
YouTube Kids is a separate app and web experience created by YouTube. Its goal is to provide a more contained and simplified environment for children to explore video content independently. The platform is designed to make it easier for parents and caregivers to guide their children’s viewing journey.
How does it filter content?
According to YouTube, the platform works to keep the videos on YouTube Kids family-friendly by using a mix of automated filters built by their engineering teams, human review, and feedback from parents to protect its youngest users online.
What parental controls are available?
The app includes several tools to help adults customize the experience. Key features include the ability to hand-pick “Parent Approved” content and collections, set age-based content levels, use a built-in timer to limit screen time, and block specific videos or channels.
What kind of content is on the platform?
The library contains a wide range of family-friendly videos across various topics. The main categories include Arts & Crafts, Toys & Play, Learning & Hobbies, and Shows & Cartoons. The content ranges from popular kids’ shows to educational tutorials, like how to build a model volcano.
How can I access YouTube Kids?
YouTube Kids is available as a free app for download on mobile devices and tablets. It can also be accessed on the web at youtubekids.com.
An App Made Just For Kids
YouTube Kids was created to give kids a more contained environment that makes it simpler and more fun for them to explore on their own, and easier for parents and caregivers to guide their journey as they discover new and exciting interests along the way. The stated goal is to provide a safer online experience for kids.
We work hard to keep the videos on YouTube Kids family-friendly and use a mix of automated filters built by our engineering teams, human review, and feedback from parents to protect our youngest users online. This approach is fundamental to creating a more controlled viewing space, but it also highlights the importance of parental involvement. No two families are the same, which is why the platform encourages adults to learn about the tools available to customize their kids’ experience.
Tips and Tools For Your Family
From choosing what content they can watch, to limiting screen time, to blocking videos, several controls are built-in. There are also resources to help you work with your kids to develop healthy digital habits, which is a cornerstone of modern digital citizenship. The primary controls include:
- Parent Approved Content & Collections: This feature allows you to hand-select every video and channel available to your child.
- Content Level by Age: You can choose from different content levels (Preschool, Younger, Older) to select the most appropriate experience for your child.
- Timer: A built-in timer lets you set a limit for how long your kids can watch, with the app automatically stopping when the session is over.
- Blocking: If you find a video or channel you don’t want your child to watch, you can block it to prevent it from appearing again.
All Kinds of Videos for All Kinds of Kids
Our library is filled with family-friendly videos on all different topics, igniting your kids’ inner creativity and playfulness. It’s everything from their favorite shows and music to learning how to build a model volcano (or make slime ;-), and everything in between. The content is designed to appeal to a wide array of interests, helping children discover new and exciting hobbies on their own.
YouTube Kids is presented as a tool—one that combines algorithmic filtering with active parental guidance to create a more child-appropriate space within the vast world of online video. By understanding and using the available features, parents and educators can help shape a more focused and positive digital experience.