How to Block YouTube in 2024: A Guide for Teachers, Parents, and Guardians

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.

Why Block YouTube?

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:

1. Distraction: YouTube can be a significant distraction, especially for students who need to focus on their studies instead of spending too much time watching YouTube shorts.
2. Inappropriate Content: With millions of videos being uploaded on the platform daily, not all videos are educational or suitable for kids.‍
3. Screen Time Management: Regulating screen time can help ensure children and teenagers are engaging in other productive activities.

How to Block YouTube?

There are several methods to block YouTube, each with varying levels of difficulty and control. Here’s a list of options you can choose from:

Blocking YouTube on Your Router

To block YouTube on your router, you can follow these steps:

1. Set up OpenDNS on WiFi router:

• Add the OpenDNS IP Address in your WiFi router settings by logging into your WiFi admin portal and looking up for DNS settings

2. Block YouTube Domain Names Addresses:
   • Navigate to the Settings tab and click on IP address to access the network settings.
   • Switch to Web Content Filtering and under Manage individual domains, add the following domain names to the block list: youtube.com, youtubei.googleapis.com, googlevideo.com, ytimg.com.
3. Wait for Changes to Propagate:
   • Allow OpenDNS a few hours to make the changes live. The blocking of YouTube domain set up will propagate on the router connection and stop internet access
4. Verify YouTube is Blocked:
   • After the setup, when you try to access YouTube, you should encounter a blocked message or a certificate error indicating that the site is not accessible.

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.

Blocking YouTube on Windows

Here are the steps to block YouTube on a Windows computer:

1. Open the Start menu and search for the notepad.

• Right-click on it and select "Run as administrator."

2. Go to "File" and click "Open…."

• Go to the "This PC" tab on the left side of the window. Double-click your computer's hard drive and open the Windows folder. Scroll down and double-click the System32 folder, then the "drivers" folder, and finally the "etc" folder.

3.  Click on "Show all file types."
   • The "host" file will be visible. Right-click on it, open "Properties," go to "Security," then click "Edit." Check the "Full Control" box and press OK.
4. Double-click on the host file to open it in the notepad.
   • At the bottom, add a line containing YouTube's address. Enter 127.0.0.1, hit the Tab key, type youtube.com, and press Enter. If you're using Chrome, you'll need to add a space at the end of the YouTube address and then write "www.youtube.com."
5. Make a backup of your "hosts" file.
   • Click "File," then "Save As…," followed by "Text Documents," select "All Files" in the drop-down menu, then the "hosts" file, and save it by clicking "Save."
6. Restart your computer.
   • After editing the "hosts" file, it is recommended that you restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

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.

Blocking YouTube Using Parental Control Software

Here are the key steps to block YouTube using parental control software. Take note that we have included some options that don’t completely block YouTube, leaving the informed decision for you to choose which might apply in your situation:

1. Set up parental control software on your child's devices

• Use available software such as Qustodio, Norton Family, or Net Nanny.

2. Enable content filtering

• Utilize their content filtering feature to block access to YouTube and other inappropriate websites

3. Set time limits

• This can be a way to control how long your child can spend on YouTube or other apps while you are present.

4. Use the companion app to monitor your child's activity

• Companion apps may allow you to set rules, and receive notifications

5. Enable YouTube restricted mode

• Use the parental control software to filter out mature content

6. Block specific YouTube channels

• Using parental control software, you can select which ones you don't want your child to access

7. Set up keyword blocking

• This option helps you filter out inappropriate videos even if they are not from a specific blocked channel.

Given the options above, it is important that you communicate with your child about online safety and the reasons behind setting up parental controls or why you are blocking YouTube.

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 YouTube experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.

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Q: Is there a way to block YouTube during specific hours?
A: Yes, many parental control apps and router settings allow you to set time-based restrictions. This means YouTube can be accessible only during specific hours.

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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.

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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.

Final Thoughts About Blocking YouTube

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!