YouTube Introduces Major Parental Controls for Shorts: 3 New Features to Keep Kids Safe

YouTube has rolled out three significant updates aimed at making the platform safer and more parent-friendly for children and teenagers. The changes, announced on Wednesday, will give parents greater control over how much time their kids spend on YouTube Shorts, ensure teens see more meaningful content, and simplify family account management.

1. Screen Time Control

Parents can now set limits on how long their children can watch YouTube Shorts. This includes a timer for scrolling, which can even be set to zero if needed—ideal for study hours or homework time. Conversely, families on the go can allow 30 or 60 minutes of Shorts viewing. This feature, claimed by YouTube to be the first of its kind in the industry, also includes reminders for bedtime or scheduled breaks. Parents have complete control over their children’s Shorts experience.

2. Teen-Friendly Content

YouTube is introducing new guidelines to promote content that is both age-appropriate and educational for teens. The updated system prioritizes videos that are informative, learning-focused, and entertaining. Platforms like Khan Academy and CrashCourse will feature more prominently, while low-quality or distracting videos will be deprioritized. These guidelines were developed in collaboration with youth experts, university professors, and organizations such as the American Psychological Association.

3. Easier Family Account Management

YouTube will soon launch a new sign-up system to simplify account management for families. Parents will be able to create new accounts for kids easily and switch between kid, teen, and parent accounts with just a few taps. This ensures that each viewer gets content and settings appropriate for their age without constantly adjusting configurations.

Speaking on the update, Jennifer Flannery O’Connor, YouTube Vice President of Product Management, said:
“We believe it’s more important to teach children how to stay safe in the digital world than to keep them away from it. These updates—screen time controls, teen-focused content, and family account management—help families navigate YouTube safely and confidently.”

With these three features, YouTube aims to empower parents while providing a safer, more enriching experience for children and teens.