How to Keep YouTube Safe for Kids ~ Christa M. Hines

Last week during a Twitter chat at the Mothers & More Online Expo (#MMExpo), a mom asked me if I had suggestions about keeping kids safe on YouTube. With nearly 80 percent of kids between the ages of 8 and 12 playing games, downloading apps and watching videos online, this was an important question I felt should be addressed in more than a 140-character tweet.

First let me start by saying YouTube can be a fantastic learning tool. My 9-year-old’s social studies teacher made levees interesting by showing the kids how they work using videos from YouTube. My son couldn’t wait to share these videos with me.

My 7-year-old and I have used YouTube to watch videos of fighter jets and Blue Angels’ stunts since this is his current interest.

Both my kids like watching Minecraft videos. (I’m including a link to Common Sense Media approved Minecraft channels below if your child is also a Minecraft fanatic.)

YouTube allows us to share the world with our kids in meaningful ways. Unfortunately, the site can also expose our kids to people, colorful language and images we don’t like.

Here are a few ways to help ensure you and your child enjoy a positive YouTube experience:

Turn on Safety Mode to help filter questionable content.
Kids often want to watch the videos their friends watch. Ask them what the video is about and watch it with them. If you notice inappropriate material, talk about why you don’t like it. For example, if they are watching a music video that portrays women in a sexist way or you see drugs/alcohol, you can use these opportunities to discuss your values and expectations without lecturing.
Monitor what your child watches by reviewing her video history. If she has deleted the history, see what videos pop up as recommendations since these will be similar to what she’s watched.
If you aren’t sure about the contents of a video and want to pre-approve it before allowing your child to view it, watch the video or the trailers first (if available). Also, Google the creator of the video to see the types of videos they typically produce.
Ads can be a good sign that the material is produced in accordance with YouTube’s rules. Videos where the producers want to make money through advertising revenue have to pass muster with YouTube by becoming a YouTube Partner. The creators have had to share samples of their work and meet YouTube criteria before being approved.
Once you have approved certain channels, subscribe to them so that your child can go straight to those without doing searches.
Learn about YouTube’s community guidelines.