Is your kid constantly getting lost in YouTube at the expense of chores and homework? Learn how to easily restrict access on your iPad, for children of any age.
Why Limit YouTube? An Overview for Concerned Parents
YouTube hosts some quality content, but unchecked access, especially for young kids, leads to real issues parents should evaluate:
- Excessive video streaming causes worse school performance, according to Oxford research. Kids score lower grades on average.
- Attention spans suffer. The more time kids spend on YouTube, the harder focussing becomes, per multiple studies.
- Inappropriate content slips through filters. Just Google "YouTube Kids app problems" to find worrying examples not caught by automated systems.
"I noticed my 7 year old laughing at crude humor and adult jokes on YouTube Kids. The app needs way better filters" – Julie L., parent
The solution isn‘t banning YouTube entirely. Some video content sparks curiosity and creativity in children. Used responsibly, YouTube fills an educational niche.
The key is setting appropriate limits based on your child‘s age and specific needs. Restricting iPad access gives that control back to you as the parent.
Step-By-Step Guide to Block YouTube on Your iPad
The iPad comes with a built-in tool called Screen Time enabling you to fully restrict access to apps like YouTube or block websites. Let‘s walk through it.
Phase 1: Block the YouTube App
By default, iPads allow installation of apps rated ages 12 and under. Since YouTube falls into the 12+ category, you can selectively block it:
- Tap your iPad‘s Settings app
- Choose Screen Time
- Switch Content & Privacy Restrictions to the ON position
- Tap Content Restrictions, then select Apps
- Under app age limit, toggle 12+ to OFF
| Action | Screenshot |
|---|---|
| Open Settings, choose Screen Time |  |
| Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions |  |
| Block 12+ age apps to disable YouTube |  |
And that‘s it! The YouTube app disappears from your iPad‘s home screen.
Without the icon visible, kids won‘t be tempted to tap and launch videos. But the website could still be an issue…let‘s fix that next.
Phase 2: Block the YouTube Website
Using Safari, YouTube is still reachable by typing youtube.com unless we restrict website access:
- In Settings > Screen Time ensure restrictions are still enabled
- Choose Content Restrictions > Web Content
- Tap Add Website
- Enter www.youtube.com > Click Add in top right
Now the YouTube website won‘t load either. Phew! Our iPad access controls are locked down.
| Action | Screenshot |
|---|---|
| Ensure Restrictions Enabled | |
| Block Specific Websites |  |
What about iPhones? Don‘t worry, the same Screen Time steps work there too! Block away. 🙌
Choosing Restriction Limits By Age
YouTube offers educational entertainment if consumed deliberately. Balance that value vs potential overuse downsides based on your child‘s maturity level:
| Age Group | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Under 6 | Fully restrict access |
| Elementary School | 30-60 minutes max daily |
| Middle School | 1-2 hours max daily |
| High School | Ensure homework done before any YouTube |
No one-size-fits all formula exists. Set restrictions following your parenting gut instinct. Kids can always earn more iPad time by excelling at responsibilities first!
Complement With Additional Parental Controls
For even more visibility into iPad activity and automatic blocking of inappropriate videos, consider adding parental control apps like Qustodio, Bark, Boomerang or Famisafe.
Most offer 1 week free trials. See which one resonates based on their featuresets and UI simplicity.
An app further augments Apple Screen Time capabilities. More layers of protection reduce the likelihood of unwanted content slipping through the cracks.
Get More Tech Parenting Tips
Hopefully now you feel empowered to manage YouTube and iPad access for your family‘s needs!
For ongoing advice as new apps and technologies emerge, subscribe to my newsletter. Just input your email below and click Submit. I limit messages to once a month maximum, and you can unsubscribe anytime.
Looking forward to future tech parenting conversations! 💪
