Kids watching YouTube and can't stop, what parental controls actually work | DadHQ

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Kids watching YouTube and can't stop, what parental controls actually work

2w ago·1 min read

My daughter will watch YouTube for hours if I let her. I set time limits with the parental control app but she just asks me to extend it and I usually give in because I'm tired and need peace. Tried blocking it entirely but then she's bored and driving me crazy. Do you guys actually enforce it or is everyone doing the same thing I am and just pretending to have it under control.

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Comments(5)

PPedroRegular1w ago

We actually just removed YouTube from the tablet entirely and use YouTube Kids instead with strict time management. It's not perfect but the algorithm isn't as aggressive on the kids version.

MMark A.Regular2w ago

The hard part is not giving in when they ask. I had to stop being the extender myself and just say the app decides. Took a few rough days but my kids stopped asking after they realized I meant it.

WWill T.Regular2w ago

We do movie nights instead where everyone gets to pick something together. Turns it into a family thing with a real ending time, not just endless scrolling.

DDerekRegular1w ago

Parental controls help but honestly they're just one layer. Our kid figured out how to work around time limits pretty quick. What actually stopped the binging was getting strict about when screens are allowed and offering alternatives. YouTube is just too good at keeping them hooked.

BBrandonNew Dad1w ago

I use Google Family Link and set the limits there instead of just in the app. Way harder to bypass. Still not perfect but better than nothing. The real answer though is probably less access upfront.