Video streaming platform YouTube rolled out new tools that give parents more control over how much time their teens spend on the platform and make it easier for families to manage shared accounts.
The updates focus on screen time limits, sleep reminders, simpler account switching, and clearer guidance on what kind of content is recommended to teens.
“At YouTube, we believe in protecting children within the digital world, not from the digital world,” said Jennifer Flannery O’Connor, vice president of product management at YouTube. “We’ve spent over a decade building tailored protections for our youngest viewers based on what parents and experts tell us they need: better controls, age-appropriate content, and simple account management.”
One of the new features allows parents set limits on how long teens can watch YouTube Shorts. Parents can adjust the time allowed based on daily needs, such as setting the limit to zero during homework hours or allowing more time during weekends or trips. YouTube said parents will soon be able to keep the Shorts limit at zero if they choose.
Parents using supervised accounts can also customize “Bedtime” and “Break” reminders. These reminders are meant to help teens take regular breaks and get enough sleep.
YouTube is also improving account setup and switching on mobile devices. Parents will be able to create accounts for their children more easily and switch between family members’ accounts with a few taps. The company said this update is meant to help households that share phones or tablets, which is common in the Philippines.
Each family member will still have their own viewing settings and content recommendations based on age.
YouTube also introduced new content guidelines for creators who make videos for teens. The guidelines were developed with input from global experts, including the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital.
According to YouTube, these guidelines will help its systems give more visibility to educational and age-appropriate videos. Content from channels such as Khan Academy, CrashCourse, and TED-Ed is expected to appear more often in teen recommendations to support a mix of learning and entertainment.