Key Takeaways
- YouTube updates supervised accounts for teens, focusing on safety, content access, and family controls.
- Parents can manage three supervision levels: Explore, Explore More, and Most of YouTube, based on their teen’s age and maturity.
- The Family Link app allows parents to adjust settings and restrict search results across devices.
- New well-being tools include break and bedtime reminders for better viewing habits.
- Families can choose whether to use supervision, and the update rolls out globally through Google Family Link.
YouTube supervised accounts for teens received new updates focused on safety, content access, and family controls. The changes apply to teen users under 18 and link their accounts to a parent or guardian. The update expands existing tools already used on YouTube and YouTube Kids.
Expanded supervision levels
YouTube offers three content settings for supervised accounts. The first option is Explore. This setting allows videos suited for viewers over age nine. Content includes educational videos, creators, and general interest topics.
The second option is Explore More. This level opens access to a broader range of videos aimed at viewers over age 13. It includes more creator content and wider topic categories.
The third option is Most of YouTube. This setting allows access to nearly all videos on the platform. Age-restricted content stays blocked. Parents select the level based on age and maturity. Settings stay adjustable over time.
Family controls and account management
Parents manage supervised accounts through Google Family Link. The app connects the teen account to a parent account. Parents adjust settings from their own device. Controls work across phones, tablets, and computers.
Supervised accounts include search controls. Parents limit or restrict search results if needed. Watch time limits remain available. These tools support daily viewing routines.
YouTube stated that families can update preferences as teens grow older. Changes apply instantly once saved.
Well-being tools for teen users
The update includes built-in well-being features. These tools include break reminders during viewing sessions. Bedtime reminders help manage late-night usage.
Teens receive on-screen prompts during extended viewing. These prompts encourage pauses and rest. Parents enable or disable these features through Family Link.
Safety development and rollout
YouTube developed the updates with guidance from families and youth safety specialists. The tools support ongoing conversations about online habits.
YouTube confirmed that supervised accounts stay optional. Families choose whether to activate supervision. The update expands YouTube supervised accounts for teens without changing existing account rules.
The rollout applies globally. Availability depends on account setup through Google Family Link.
Source: https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/updates-youtube-supervised-accounts-teens/
