Google has announced the addition of new parental controls to its YouTube Kids app in order to give parents , not computer algorithms, full control over the content their kids have access to.
YouTube Kids to give parents more control over output. Google says it will add new parental controls to its YouTube Kids app, after inappropriate videos were repeatedly discovered on the service.#news
— Internet's News Outlet (@Dave_Webber_CAN) April 26, 2018
Launched in 2015, the app is basically for children aged 3-8 years old and it was created to shows videos that are safe, educational to watch for the kids. But they have been concerns about the YouTube Kids app still not filtering its contents well.
No one in any position to do anything about it seems to care, but the YouTube Kids app is NOT SAFE FOR KIDS. And will not be until EVERY video is vetted by an actual human being before it goes up. Spread the word. https://t.co/zs4nXamOSa
— Ed Petrie 🇺🇦 (@edpetrie) March 17, 2018
This has prompted Google to roll-out new features that it says will give parents even more control around the content that can be accessed by the kids-friendly app.
The New YouTube Kids App Tools
YouTube has introduced new tools for the YouTube Kids app:
1. Parents can choose the special playlists created by trusted partners.
2. Parents can restrict the search feature and kids will have to watch only verified videos.
3. Parents can handpick videos for their children.— Essential Tech (@essentialtech12) April 27, 2018
The first new feature will ensure that Google lists only trusted third parties on a variety of subjects, making it easier for parents to approve channels and topics they want their kids to have access to.
Parents can access this through the Profile Setting, there parents will see several choices to pick, ranging from channels such as Sesame Workshop, channels from arts & crafts, music, sports, learning, and videos classified under “Arts and Crafts & DIY”. Google also promises to add more content partners over time.
The second feature is for parents who want even more control over the videos and channels in the YouTube Kids app. This Google promises to roll our later this year and will see every specific parent approved content is white-listed. So instead of setting restrictions for your kids, you would be able to specifically handpick every video and channel available to your child in the app.
According to Google, in its press statement:
One area of focus has been building new features that give parents even more control around the content available in the YouTube Kids app so they can make the right choice for their unique family and for each child within their family.
Finally, when parents turn ‘Search Off”, the YouTube Kids app would be limited to channels that have already been verified by the YouTube Kids team.
Although the ‘Search Off” feature has always existed, this new tightened restrictions means that ‘Search Off” will not include recommendations from the whole YouTube Kids collection.
Technext Newsletter
Get the best of Africa’s daily tech to your inbox – first thing every morning.
Join the community now!
