SAN FRANCISCO: YouTube said Wednesday that it will launch new accounts that will allow tweens or teens to explore the video streaming service within limits set by their parents.
An initial version of the offering will roll out in the coming months, allowing parents to use Google accounts to give kids access to YouTube that comes with content and feature restrictions, according to the director of product management for kids and families. , James Beser.
The move responds to concerns about violence and other inappropriate content that can be viewed by minors on the massive video-sharing platform.
“We have heard from parents and older children that tweens and teens have different needs, that our products did not fully meet,” Beser said in a blog post.
“We are announcing a new option for parents who have decided that their tweens and teens are ready to explore YouTube with a supervised account.”
A “browse” option for parental control settings will include videos deemed suitable for children 9 years and older, such as tutorials, game videos, music clips, news, and educational content.
A second setting will allow children to access videos that are deemed appropriate for ages 13 and older and will include live broadcasts.
A setting of “most of YouTube” will open the display of a wide range of content on the global video sharing platform, except for content that is age restricted or that involves sensitive topics only appropriate for older audiences.
“We know that each parent has a different parenting style and that each child is unique and reaches different stages of development at different times,” said Beser.
The options are designed for parents who are willing to give their children a little more freedom on YouTube, but with limits, according to Beser.
“We will use a combination of user input, machine learning and human review to determine which videos are included,” said Beser.
“We know that our systems will make mistakes and continue to evolve over time.”
Google-owned YouTube started out as a video-sharing platform for people at least 13 years old, but added a YouTube Kids option in 2015 with parental controls over content.
The platform has worked to address concerns and complaints about content accessible to children, as well as the types of ads paired with what they see.
Security, Messenger, Art: Applications for parents to stay connected with their children
Super apps for superheroes
When work takes the jet-setting dad to the other side of the world, these apps ensure the little one never feels apart. (Text: Rajarshi Bhattacharjee)
Monster messenger
App Store, Play Store, Amazon.com
It’s a fun messaging app to connect with your kids when you’re away. The app is independent of all social media sites and ensures that your child can communicate safely with you and other family members, while validating all invitations received and sent. Its fun features include photos, drawings, text and voice messages, personalized stickers, and more. The app says that all your children’s personal information is encrypted.
(Image: https://monster-messenger.com)
Family Locator – Life360 GPS Tracker
App Store, Play Store
Venturing on a secret adventure will be difficult for your child when he installs this application on his phone. No matter where in the world your work has taken you, this app will give you the exact real-time location of your little one. You can also set alerts when your child or family members arrive or depart destinations, and plan your next family reunion.
(Image: www.life360.com)
Net Nanny for Android
Play store
With the ability to monitor internet activity from different mobile devices remotely, Net Nanny is a great tool to enforce data usage. It is a custom mobile browser that becomes your child’s default browser. You can manage which applications your child can or cannot use on their mobile phone.
(Image: www.netnanny.com)
Father MMGuardian
App, Play Store
When it’s time to be a strict parent, switch to MMGuardian. It has a dedicated messaging app that will allow you to control who your child can send text messages to. It will send you alerts based on keywords and share reports with the entire conversation. It also allows you to block incoming calls and specific applications on your child’s phone. Although it is a bit invasive, prevention is better than cure.
(Image: www.mmguardian.com)
