YouTube is rolling out new parental control features that allow parents to limit the amount of time their children spend watching Shorts, the platform's short-form video format. The Google-owned company announced Wednesday that parents can now set timers for Shorts viewing, effectively limiting the potential for excessive scrolling.
Parents also have the option to completely block access to Shorts for their children's accounts, either permanently or temporarily. This feature could be useful if a child needs to focus on schoolwork and should only be using YouTube for educational content.
In addition to Shorts controls, YouTube is expanding its Bedtime and Take a Break reminder settings. These features, which are also available to adult users, prompt users to stop watching videos after a set period. These reminders can be customized by parents for their children's accounts.
The move comes as YouTube and other social media platforms face increasing scrutiny regarding the online safety of minors. Concerns about screen time and exposure to potentially harmful content have led to calls for stronger parental controls.
These new features are designed to give parents more tools to manage their children's YouTube experience. The ability to block Shorts entirely addresses concerns about the addictive nature of short-form video content. The timer function allows for a more measured approach, enabling parents to set reasonable limits on viewing time.
The implementation of these controls reflects a broader trend in the tech industry toward prioritizing child safety. Social media companies are under pressure to provide parents with more control over their children's online activities.
The new parental controls are available now within the YouTube settings for connected accounts. Parents can access these features through the Family Link app, which allows them to manage their children's Google accounts and online activity.
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