The internet is not a safe place. This is a basic rule that any parent should consider. However, especially with the necessity of the internet in this date, kids are now required to stream across the web. Sounds scary? Well, it is because it is.
The amount of misinformation in the internet can be bad for your children too—especially in YouTube. There are content that is not allowed for kids in such a young age—that is why it needs to be age restricted. However, if your kid accidentally is misled towards explicit content—what do you do?
Regardless, the damage has been done. Thus, you might as well go back in time and learn how to limit your kid’s social media use. As much as possible, restrict him towards misinformation and control their streaming sessions. Especially in the website platform YouTube, your kids should be using the Kids Settings Mode.
The question is, how? Good thing you have come across this blog. With so many new streaming services offering masses of content that anybody with internet connection may play right now, it may be prudent to limit children's access to these platforms. Because these services are aware that children will use them, several have established parental control tools that allow you to filter or prevent what younger account users may see.
Thus, here are some tips on how to control your Kids YouTube Streaming Session.
Limit the time
Do not make your kids scan through YouTube all day. Instead, give them a time limit into whereas they can watch YouTube. This will increase their awareness towards overusing the platforms of social media, and engages them to be more pro-active than passive. If your children throws a tantrum and wants to watch and extend their time on YouTube, you must insist a strict yet compassionate posture to make them follow your rules. However, do not be very aggressive or violent since your children may mislead your intentions. Regardless, do not be so easy-going as well—you must find a middle ground. Limiting the time of your children across YouTube will allow you to control your kid’s streaming session on such application.
Turn on Restricted Mode
Restricted Mode is a feature that may be turned on and off on the YouTube website and app. It disables the access of potentially adult or unpleasant material if it is activated. With this option, you can breathe peacefully without thinking of the content your children see on YouTube. Moreover, Restricted mode allows YouTube to filter the content that your kids see whenever they come across such platform. With this, they check certain stuff manually to see whether it has to be filtered out. They manually review videos that have been 'flagged' as unsuitable by YouTube viewers, as well as any videos submitted through the 'Restricted Mode feedback' form. So, to control what your kids see on YouTube while streaming, turn on Restricted Mode.
As much as possible, provide them parental guidance
If there is such content not allowed for children—you must be there to stop it. Parental guidance is a thing that a parent must fully guarantee. Do not rely on search filters only—thus, you must be there first-hand to guide your kids. That is why there are certain age restriction warnings at the beginning of a video, and if you are there personally, you can control or stop your kids from watching those. Parental guidance ensures your kids’ safety in the dangers of the internet, so if you are a parent worried on what your kids might see online? Give them parental guidance, as much as possible.
Talk the dangers of too much YouTube
“As much as YouTube can be fun, entertaining, and interesting—there are contents in YouTube that are not for you to see.” This thought should not only be implied to the parent but to their children as well. As soon as your kid begins to use the internet, specifically YouTube, talk to them about what they are reading, viewing, and talking with online—and continue the conversation as they become older. Ask your kid what websites or applications they use, make a list, and go through it with them. Talk to your kid about what you believe is appropriate, and remind them that other parents and their children may have different ideas. Talking the dangers of YouTube and provide them tips on how to avoid and block them. This case, you are not disciplining your child, but you are teaching them how to become wiser in the internet.
Lead by example
If you want your kids to learn, lead by example. Set a good example for your children by modeling the sort of healthy online behavior you want them to exhibit. Watch good content videos, or restrict your time on YouTube as well. They are more likely to follow in your footsteps if they witness you being careful and wise online. Yes, this includes setting a screen time limit for yourself. Finally, you do not want to instill dread in your kid or prevent them from taking use of the internet's numerous educational, entertainment, social, and other advantages; rather, you want to equip them with the skills and information they need to make the most of it while avoiding the risks. So, in YouTube streaming sessions—it is highly advised to lead your kids by example than imposing it to them.
Control while being #SocialNetworkSavvy
YouTube is a streaming platform that exhibits varied range of content and information. It plasters engaging videos that can be fun and entertaining but like how life says, not everything composes of rainbows and unicorns.
Misinformation and restricted content also resides in this social media platform—so it is hard, especially for the parents to restrict what their children will see online. So it is up to the parents to educate their children on ways to be safe on this accessible, wide, and varied platform. Learn how to use the privacy options and reporting tools. Discuss how they can keep safe on social media, such as communicating to a trusted adult if they are concerned, and understanding what constitutes online bullying, both as a perpetrator and as a victim.
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