YouTube now has a way for parents to block kids from watching Shorts

[ # YouTube's Latest Update: Parents Can Now Block Shorts for Kids, Boosting Digital Well-being In an era where **screen time** and digital content consumption are constant topics of discussion among families, **YouTube** has rolled out a highly anticipated feature designed to give **parents more control** over what their children watch. The popular video platform now offers a way for parents to **block kids from watching Shorts**, its short-form video format, marking a significant step towards **enhanced digital well-being** for younger viewers. ## The Growing Challenge of Short-Form Content for Kids **YouTube Shorts**, much like TikTok and Instagram Reels, offers an endless stream of bite-sized videos that are often highly engaging and addictive. While entertaining, the rapid-fire nature of this content raises concerns among **parents** about its impact on **attention spans**, exposure to potentially unsuitable material, and the sheer amount of time children spend passively scrolling. Recognizing these challenges, **YouTube** has introduced a crucial **parental control** mechanism. This update is a direct response to the call from parents seeking better tools to curate their children's online experience and manage their **kids' screen time** more effectively. ## How Parents Can Block YouTube Shorts for Their Children The new feature is seamlessly integrated into **YouTube's existing parental control settings** for supervised accounts and YouTube Kids profiles. Here’s how it works: 1. **Access Parental Settings:** Parents need to go into the settings for their child's supervised Google account or the YouTube Kids app profile. 2. **Manage Watch History:** The key lies in managing the child's **watch history settings**. By turning off the "saving watch history" option for the child's profile, **YouTube Shorts** will automatically be disabled. 3. **No More Shorts:** Once watch history saving is turned off, the Shorts shelf will no longer appear on the child's homepage, and they won't be able to access Shorts through other means within the platform. This clever implementation ensures that children are directed towards more curated, longer-form content that parents might deem more appropriate or educational, fostering a healthier digital environment. ## Empowering Parents for Smarter Digital Parenting This **tech update** is a game-changer for **digital parenting**. It allows parents to: * **Reduce Unplanned Screen Time:** By removing the endless scroll of Shorts, children are less likely to fall into rabbit holes of passive viewing. * **Encourage Mindful Consumption:** This shift can encourage kids to seek out specific content rather than simply consuming whatever comes next. * **Promote Focused Engagement:** Longer videos often require more sustained attention, which can be beneficial for developing concentration. * **Enhance Child Online Safety:** While Shorts themselves aren't inherently dangerous, removing a high-volume, rapidly changing content stream can simplify content moderation for parents. This move solidifies **YouTube's commitment** to **child online safety** and positions it as a platform responsive to the evolving needs of families in the digital age. As we navigate the complexities of technology and childhood, features like these are invaluable for building safer, more beneficial online experiences for the next generation. Parents are encouraged to explore these new **YouTube safety features** and tailor their children's viewing experience to best suit their family's needs and values.