Like any other parent i find YouTube an amazing free resource that my Children can use for a range of different videos types. Whether it be a Children's TV Episode, Learning Nursery Rhymes, Practising Number counting or just watching someone open a Toy from a packet (Yes i still struggle to understand the fascination with the last one!)
What initially hit me was the auto play functionality which is built into YouTube.
Although this is great for constant streaming of content, i found it uncomfortable that the upcoming video would be suggested and could potentially be a rather X Rated Twerking Video (yes i have seen this occur after a standard music video).
The second area of concern was the display of unfiltered comments e.g a rather annoyed user commenting with all the swear words under the sun on a video. Yes the vast majority of children are more interested in skipping onto the next video but when its now becoming the norm for YouTubers to request there subscribers to "Drop a Comment Below" these comments are wide open for reading by any user of YouTube.
Sooooo what can be done to avoid the above?
My first recommendation would be to get the YouTube Kids app installed on your devices and always open this before allowing your child to start watching videos. Its targeted for children and so cuts out all of my concerns detailed above and comes pre configured so you dont need to do anything apart from install it!
My second recommendation is for those of you that would rather not install ANOTHER app on your device and instead would like the peace of mind that your children can use YouTube safely. Whether you are using the YouTube App or visiting youtube on a computer; YouTube Restricted Mode is available for ALL. When this setting is turned on it removes unsuitable content for Children and disables comments on videos, HALLELUJAH a quick, free and easy way to get protected.
This setting can be enabled and left on forever or can be toggled on / off as required when Parent browsing is in use!
If you are interested in ways to enforce this setting (for the device upstairs tucked away from sight) drop us a comment to discuss the options available.
