YouTube Introduces Supervised Access for Tween and Teen Viewers

This morning, YouTube revealed plans to launch a new user experience tailored for older children – those who have outgrown YouTube Kids but aren’t quite ready for unrestricted access to the full YouTube platform. The company is preparing to initiate a beta test of new functionalities. These features will empower parents to grant children more controlled access to YouTube via a “supervised” Google Account.

Leveraging Existing Google Account Controls

Many parents have already established supervised Google Accounts for their children utilizing Google’s Family Link parental control application. This application facilitates the restriction of access across various products and services, manages screen time, and filters website content. Alternatively, some parents may have created these accounts when initially setting up a child’s account on an Android device or Chromebook.

Parents can easily create a supervised account for their child when they are prepared to test the new features, if one doesn’t already exist. (Please note that Google Education accounts are currently not supported during the initial launch phase.)

Three Levels of YouTube Access

The forthcoming features will provide parents with a choice of three distinct YouTube access levels for their tween or teen. Initially, testing will be conducted with parents whose children are below the age of consent for online services – 13 years in the U.S., though this varies internationally – before expanding to encompass older age groups.

Exploring Content Options

An “Explore” mode is designed for tweens transitioning from YouTube Kids. It allows viewing of a wide range of videos appropriate for viewers aged 9 and above, including vlogs, tutorials, gaming videos, music, news, and educational content. This enables access to content like kid-friendly gaming streams while theoretically preventing exposure to more mature material.

The “Explore More” mode offers videos generally suitable for ages 13 and up, akin to a PG-13 experience on YouTube. This expands the available content and permits access to live streams within the same categories as “Explore.”

For older teens, the “Most of YouTube” mode grants access to nearly all YouTube videos, excluding age-restricted content unsuitable for those under 18.

Content Curation and Limitations

YouTube will employ a combination of user feedback, machine learning, and human review to determine which videos are included in each content setting. It’s important to acknowledge that, similar to YouTube Kids, this system won’t be flawless. It relies on automated curation, and users will still need to flag improperly filtered videos.

Parents who desire stringent control over their child’s internet access may still prefer supplementary parental control solutions to further restrict YouTube access.

Additional Restrictions and Features

The supervised access also includes other limitations. Parents can monitor the child’s watch and search history within the account settings. Certain YouTube features will be disabled based on the chosen access level.

Specifically, in-app purchases, video creation, and commenting will be disabled at launch. YouTube intends to reintroduce these features over time, subject to parental control mechanisms.

Advertising and Privacy Considerations

Personalized ads will not be displayed in supervised experiences, even for content not designated as “made for kids.” Instead, all ads will be contextual, mirroring the advertising approach on YouTube Kids. These ads will also adhere to children’s advertising policies, general YouTube ad policies, and content restrictions applicable to “Made for Kids” content.

Establishing a supervised account requires parental consent for COPPA compliance – the U.S. children’s privacy law mandating notification and agreement regarding the collection and use of personal data from children’s accounts. This represents a trade-off for parents to consider.

Addressing the Desire for Independence

This new experience may appeal to families where children have outgrown apps designed for younger audiences, or even for younger children desiring access to their older siblings’ “real YouTube” experience. Forcing older children to use the “Kids” app can lead to feelings of being left behind. The common refrain of “everyone else has it, so why can’t I?” is a frequent parental challenge.

This slightly more controlled environment allows parents to grant access to “real YouTube” while imposing restrictions on content and features.

Expert Endorsements and Competitive Landscape

YouTube’s announcement included endorsements from youth experts, including Leslie Boggs, president of National PTA; Dr. Yalda Uhls, Center for Scholars & Storytellers, UCLA; Thiago Tavares, founder and president of SaferNet Brazil; and Professor Sun Sun Lim, Singapore University of Technology & Design.

This news follows product updates from TikTok, a rapidly growing social video app and YouTube competitor. TikTok has implemented features aimed at enhancing the protection of its younger users, including a “family pairing” mode and privacy setting adjustments for users under 18.

Launch Timeline and Continued Investment

YouTube anticipates launching the new product in beta in the “coming months” across more than 80 countries. The company also reaffirms its commitment to continuing investment in YouTube Kids for younger children.