YouTube

What is YouTube?

YouTube is the world’s largest video platform, owned by Google. It includes YouTube Shorts (short-form video competing with TikTok), live streaming, comments sections and community posts. YouTube is also a search engine — many teens use it to learn, not just to watch.

Age rating: 13+ (varies by country; some require 14–16).

Why do kids like it?

• Endless content. Gaming, music, tutorials, vlogs — there’s something for everyone.
• Creators they follow like friends. Teens develop parasocial relationships with YouTubers and feel they know them personally.
• Shorts for quick entertainment. Short-form video that’s easy to scroll through, just like TikTok.
• A learning tool. Everything from schoolwork to hobbies and creative projects.
• Free to use. No subscription needed for most content.

What are the real risks?

• Algorithm and autoplay. The recommendation algorithm narrows what teens see based on watch history, creating echo chambers. Combined with autoplay, this can keep them watching far longer than intended and surface content outside their maturity level.
• The comments section. Can contain toxic, hateful or predatory content, especially on videos popular with younger audiences.
• Live streams and live chat. Teens can be contacted by strangers in real time during streams.
• Data collection and screen time. Google collects extensive data about viewing habits and search history. Features like “watch next” and autoplay are designed to extend viewing sessions.
• Young creators at risk. Teens who make their own videos can unwittingly share personal details like their location or school, and may face pressure around views, subscriber counts and revenue.

Settings to check

1. Set up a supervised account (13–17). Link your teen’s Google account through Family Link. This lets you manage content ratings, restrict comments and live chat, and review activity.
2. Turn on Restricted Mode. Settings → General → Restricted Mode. This filters out potentially mature content across search and recommendations.
3. Turn off autoplay. Toggle off the autoplay switch at the top of the “Up next” list on any video page. This stops videos from playing automatically one after another.
4. Set break and bedtime reminders. Settings → General → “Remind me to take a break” and “Remind me when it’s bedtime”. These prompt a reminder after a set time.
5. Review watch and search history. Visit myactivity.google.com to see what your teen has watched and searched for. You can also update ad preferences at myadcenter.google.com.

How to talk about it

“What channels do you watch the most? Can you show me some of your favourites?”

“Do you ever read the comments under videos? What’s that like?”

“Do you ever find yourself watching longer than you planned? What keeps you going?”

Last reviewed: April 2026