YouTube to roll out parent-approved accounts for tweens
YOUTUBE on Feb 24 said it will roll out new accounts that let tweens or young teens explore the video service within boundaries set by their parents.
An early version of the offering will be released in coming months, letting parents use Google accounts to provide children YouTube access that comes with content and feature constraints, according to kids and family product management director James Beser.
The move responds to concerns about violence and other inappropriate content which may be viewed by minors on the massive video-sharing platform.
“We’ve heard from parents and older children that tweens and teens have different needs, which weren’t being fully met by our products,” Beser said in a blog post.
“We are announcing a new choice for parents who have decided their tweens and teens are ready to explore YouTube with a supervised account.”
An “explore” option for parental control settings will feature videos considered suitable for children ages nine and older, such as tutorials, gaming videos, music clips, news and educational content.
A second setting will allow children to access videos deemed appropriate for people ages 13 and older, and include live streams.
A “most of YouTube” setting will open viewing to a gamut of content on the global video sharing platform except for content that is age-restricted or involving sensitive topics only appropriate for older audiences.
“We know that every parent has a different parenting style and that every child is unique and reaches different developmental stages at different times,” Beser said.
The options are for parents who are ready to give their children a bit more freedom on YouTube, but with limits, said Beser. – ETX Studio