YouTube is a platform with a vast amount of content and it can be challenging to keep track of all the videos that children can watch safely. Which is why there are parents and teachers who have considered blocking YouTube all together and not just blocking certain YouTube channels or allowing only YouTube Kids. So whether you are a teacher aiming to keep students focused, a parent wanting to manage screen time, or a guardian concerned about inappropriate content, this guide is for you.
Reasons may vary from person-to-person but here are the top three reasons why there are those who find it necessary to block YouTube:
There are several methods to block YouTube, each with varying levels of difficulty and control, so if you are not confident with configuring your device ask for help from a tech savvy adult you can trust or ask your IT. Here are three options we recommend for you:
The easiest among all the recommendations for blocking YouTube would be using a reliable parental control tool like the AstroSafe Parental Portal. In just 3 steps, not only can you block YouTube or any other kind of video sharing platform, but also have full control over what your child or student can access online. Here are the steps on how to setup Parental Portal:
Start with installing the AstroSafe app for free and you don’t even need to use your credit card.
You can customize the online access of all of your kids’ or students’ devices for any platform—this includes YouTube—and allow only those that you deem safe for them.
They can now use their device to go online. As a parent or educator, you can now monitor what they are accessing and you can be rest assured that they are only able to use what you have allowed them to.
Given this parental control option, it is important that you communicate with your child or student about their online safety and the reasons behind setting up parental controls or why you are blocking YouTube in the first place.
By utilizing parental control software effectively, you can create a safer online environment for your child, manage screen time, filter content, and monitor activities to ensure a positive and secure online experience free from YouTube.
To block YouTube on your router, you can follow these steps:
By following these steps, you can effectively block access to YouTube on your router, ensuring that devices connected to your network are unable to access the YouTube website and app.
This second option is not the easiest but if you are an educator, the IT in your school can help set this up for you.
The 3rd option below can be done on your own but only if you are confident with configuring your Windows computer as there are some settings that you need to manually change.
Here are the steps on how to block YouTube on a computer that is running on Windows:
By following these steps, you can effectively block YouTube on your Windows computer. Keep in mind that this method only blocks YouTube and does not restrict access to other websites that may contain inappropriate content.
Here’s a YouTube video showing more choices on how to block… YouTube videos! As ironic as that sounds, this is an option available to you and we want to show you your choices.
Q: Can I block YouTube without affecting other Google services?
A: Yes, blocking YouTube specifically won’t affect other Google services like Gmail or Google Search. Most parental control software allows you to target specific websites or apps.
Q: Is there a way to block YouTube during specific hours?
A: Yes, parental control apps like AstroSafe Parental Portal allow you to set time-based restrictions. This means YouTube can be accessible only during specific hours.
Q: Will blocking YouTube affect YouTube Kids?
A: Blocking YouTube will also block YouTube Kids since it’s a subdomain. However, you can configure separate restrictions within the YouTube Kids app to manage content.
Q: Can my child bypass these blocks?
A: Tech-savvy kids might find ways around basic restrictions. Using robust parental control software and periodically updating your settings can help maintain control.
Blocking YouTube can be an effective way to manage distractions, inappropriate content, and screen time for children and students. Whether you choose to configure your router, adjust settings on individual devices, or use parental control software, these are numerous options that can suit your needs. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a safer and more focused digital environment for your children and students.
Stay informed and proactive about digital safety to foster a healthy balance of online and offline activities for the younger generation. For tools that allows you to better manage what kids can safely access online, check out AstroSafe tools!
Speaking of blocking YT to protect your family, check out these guides for more how-to’s:
How to Block YouTube Ads
How to Block YouTube on iPad
How to Block Websites on iPhone and iPad
If you are also looking for safe and educational content for kids, AstroSafe offers a curated collection of resources and tools. AstroSafe provides a variety of options covering age-appropriate content, educational games, and interactive learning, ensuring a safe and enriching online experience for young users. It's an excellent resource to complement blocking YouTube by directing children to positive and beneficial content that align with their learning and development needs.