Hot take: kids don't need YouTube

Dec 71 min read

Unpopular opinion but my family cut YouTube entirely 6 months ago and I honestly don't think I'm going back. We use Netflix, Disney+ for entertainment and if the kids want to learn something specific we find a book or an educational app instead.

Yes it's more work to curate content. Yes my kids complained initially. But no more algorithm rabbit holes, no more 2-hour viewing sessions that I thought would be 20 minutes, no more weird recommendations.

I know this isn't realistic for everyone but if you're on the fence about it - the disruption is worth it imo.

11 comments163 views

Comments(11)

BBen H.RegularDec 7

What happens when they're at a friend's house with YouTube available? Do they go nuts or have they just... lost interest? Asking because I'm considering this but worried about the social awkwardness if every other kid is watching the same content.

DDan T.RegularDec 8

This is actually interesting because I noticed the same thing when I temporarily cut it. The algorithm hole is real and my kids were way more bored/restless the first week then suddenly started doing other stuff. But Netflix is still the algorithm's cousin - have you noticed them getting stuck in binge loops there?

PPaul M.RegularDec 8

Did you replace the time with anything or did they just... not need as much screen time? That's the thing I struggle with - removing stuff is easy, filling the void without losing my mind is harder lol

SSam T.New DadDec 9

Okay but how are they learning specific stuff without YouTube? Like if my son wants to learn guitar or build something, YouTube tutorials are the best resource. What do you actually use instead?

BBrian L.RegularDec 8

this isn't even unpopular anymore, a lot of parents are doing this. youtube's algorithm is specifically designed to keep kids watching mindlessly and it's genuinely predatory. netflix/disney+ at least end episodes and don't autoplay endlessly

HHugh S.RegularDec 9

we do the same thing but i'll be honest, we had to replace it with something because the 'i'm bored' complaints got brutal for the first month. once they adapted it was great but that transition period was rough. worth it though

MMarcus J.RegularDec 9

The 'hot take' part is real because so many people act like you're depriving kids if you cut YouTube. But honestly after 6 months you'd probably notice if it was actually harmful - sounds like the opposite happened.

LLuke N.RegularDec 9

how old are your kids? i'm wondering if youtube is more of a problem depending on age. my 6yo can't really get lost in it anyway but my 13yo definitely could if i let him

TTony F.RegularDec 8

the 'if they want to learn something specific' part is key. there's a massive difference between 'youtube is babysitting' and 'let's watch a channel about how engines work together.' one is passive consumption, one is intentional

GGreg M.RegularDec 9

lol people will say 'but my kids learn SO much from youtube' and then their kids can't sit through anything that doesn't have jump cuts every 3 seconds. the algorithm is engineering short attention spans

FFrank D.RegularDec 10

Curious how old your kids are? I cut YouTube for my 6yo but my 10yo still uses it for specific stuff like coding tutorials and science videos. We whitelist channels though so he can't spiral into random garbage. Cold turkey might not be sustainable for older kids depending on schoolwork needs.