Kid-Safe YouTube
Filter the internet's wild west.
YouTube Kids vs YouTube
- YouTube Kids — separate app. Filtered library. 4 age levels. Free.
- Regular YouTube — even with "restricted mode", lots slips through.
- Recommendation: Kids app for under-10. Real YouTube only with adult co-watching.
Setup YouTube Kids
- Download "YouTube Kids" app.
- Set up parent profile with your Google login + PIN.
- Add child profile — name, age range.
- Pick content level: "Preschool" (4 and under), "Younger" (5-8), "Older" (9-12).
- Or "Approved Content Only" — you pick exact channels/videos.
- Search OFF for under-7 (recommended).
- Timer — auto-locks after X minutes.
Approved channels for grandparents
- Sesame Street (preschool, classic).
- Bluey (preschool, gentle Australian dog family).
- SciShow Kids (5-12, science).
- National Geographic Kids.
- Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood (timeless).
- Storyline Online (celebrities reading kids books).
- Khan Academy Kids.
- Crash Course Kids (8-14, science).
- Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood.
Channels to AVOID
- "Unboxing" videos — pure consumerism, kids beg for stuff.
- YouTube "Shorts" — addictive scroll like TikTok.
- Random "kids' songs" channels — many are AI-generated, weird, sometimes inappropriate.
- Anything with "(NEW!)" or clickbait thumbnails.
- Mom/dad "challenge" channels — often staged for views.
- Toy review channels — manipulative advertising.
Better than YouTube
- PBS Kids app — free, ad-free, all educational.
- Common Sense Media list of best apps.
- Disney+ / Apple TV+ — paid but quality controls.
- Library Hoopla / Kanopy Kids — free with library card.
- Audiobook apps (Libby, Storyline Online) — let imagination work.
Talk to parents
Different families have different rules. Before letting grandkids watch — ask "what does your mom/dad let you watch?" Then add to the approved list yourself. Avoids "Mom never lets me watch this!" complaints.