YouTube is popular with the majority of children. It has been compared to a children’s television channel because it is constantly updated with new content. YouTube and the YouTube Kids channel are veritable information and entertainment hubs.
YouTube does not always include targeted material that is acceptable for children and valuable to instructors. It’s impossible to predict what you’ll receive.” Teachers like the variety of channels available to them, such as including Edutopia and Common Sense Education.
You might think that clicking on a YouTube video is harmless, but a Florida pediatrician identified films on YouTube Kids that supported female abuse, suicide characters, and school shootings. Even some of the YouTube Kids animations encourage provocative behavior and provide how-to videos for sex, drugs, and violence.
Having limitless access to the channel is something that most people do not want their kids at home or school. Too tough to keep track of what is happening on the family computer, a smartphone, or a tablet when children are involved.
Control access to YouTube and YouTube Kids
YouTube’s tight filters can be used by teachers (and the school technology department) to restrict access. The same goes for parents. Most objectionable content is blocked by these filters, and YouTube often reminds users that they are free. Parental control software such as Qustodio and Net Nanny are also good at blocking access to sites that children shouldn’t go to.
However, be prepared. Regardless of how rigorously you secure your firewall, movies with problematic content will always find a way past it. It’s time for a discussion at this point. A teacher should inform their students that this film was inappropriate for class. It’s best to notify your school’s administration immediately. They will be able to advise parents if they have any worries about the next steps.
Make the screen visible to an adult if you’re a parent and want to keep an eye on YouTube and YouTube Kids. Discuss your child’s observations with them. Explain why it wasn’t a good idea and make some suggestions. Allow your child to ask questions during or after the experience, once they’ve had a chance to process their feelings.
But what if I still want to use YouTube?
If you’re willing to put in the time and effort up front, it’s doable. To explain a point in class, YouTube has made it ridiculously easy to look for a short video. It’s possible for parents to make playlists for their children, too. There is a price to pay for being accessible, however. YouTube automatically plays suggested videos, so you never know what you’ll find there.
Create assignments and input your preferred YouTube channels, including your personal YouTube channel, to reduce the danger.
YouTube may be integrated with Google Classroom. The formidable partnership between the two tech behemoths allows you to download and curate the information you want while avoiding accidently accessing content that could get you into serious trouble.
Next steps
The negative side of technology will always exist. It’s up to you to decide how you’ll shield your children from inappropriate content.
