What is the difference between YouTube and YouTube Kids?

YouTube is the main platform for all ages with limited content filtering. YouTube Kids is a separate app designed for children under 13 with curated content, simplified navigation, and stronger parental controls. For younger children, YouTube Kids is strongly recommended over the main YouTube app.

Does YouTube Restricted Mode block all inappropriate content?

No. Restricted Mode uses automated systems to filter out potentially mature content, but it is not 100% accurate. Some unsuitable videos may still appear, and some perfectly suitable content may be blocked. It should be used as one layer of protection alongside supervision and conversation.

What should I do if there is a problem on this app?

Use the app's in-app report and block tools first — this is usually the fastest way to remove content or restrict an account. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. For non-emergency police matters, call 101. The NSPCC helpline (0808 800 5000) and Childline (0800 1111) are free and confidential. For a UK reporting decision tree, see /reporting and /tools/reporting-route-finder.

YouTube Safety Guide for Parents

How to set up YouTube's parental controls, restricted mode, and supervised accounts to keep your child safe while watching videos.

Official age

13+

We recommend

13+

Developer

Google LLC

Risks

Live streaming

Overview

YouTube is the world's largest video-sharing platform with billions of hours of content covering every imaginable topic. Its recommendation algorithm is designed to maximise viewing time, which can lead children down rabbit holes of increasingly extreme or unsuitable content. Google offers supervised accounts and YouTube Kids as safer alternatives for younger viewers.

How children use it

Children watch a vast range of content including gaming videos, music, tutorials, vlogs, and entertainment. The autoplay feature and recommendation sidebar encourage extended viewing sessions. Older children may also read and post comments, create their own channels, and subscribe to creators.

Main risks

harmful content screen time online strangers social media safety

Recommended privacy settings

Restricted Mode

Location: Profile icon → Settings → General → Restricted Mode

Set to: On

Filters out potentially mature content. Enable it on every device and browser your child uses, as it is device-specific.

Supervised Account

Location: Google Family Link → YouTube Settings → Choose experience level

Set to: Set up with appropriate experience tier

Creates an account with content restrictions you manage. Choose from Explore, Explore More, or Most of YouTube depending on your child's maturity.

Autoplay

Location: Settings → Autoplay → Autoplay Next Video

Set to: Off

Prevents videos from automatically playing one after another, giving your child natural stopping points and reducing passive binge-watching.

Parent actions

essential

Set up a supervised account through Google Family Link and choose the appropriate content tier for your child's age

Time: 15 minutes

essential

Enable Restricted Mode on all devices your child uses and turn off autoplay

Time: 10 minutes

recommended

Discuss what to do if they come across an upsetting video and show them how to report content

Time: 10 minutes

Related app guides

youtube kids tiktok twitch

If you need to report this

In immediate danger: call 999. For non-emergency police matters, call 101.

Concerned about a child but it's not an emergency? NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000. Childline for young people 0800 1111.

See all UK reporting pathways

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

Safety Topic

Harmful Content

Safety Topic

Screen Time

App Guide

YouTube Kids Safety Guide

Last reviewed: 2026-03-15

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