YouTube's built-in tools let you restrict what your child sees, but the strictest setting blocks most videos
YouTube offers three ways to limit content: Restricted Mode (filters out mature videos across all of YouTube), YouTube Kids (a separate app with human review and parental controls), and Family Link (Google's parental control app that works across devices). Each one works differently and blocks different amounts of content.
Restricted Mode is the easiest to turn on but catches fewer bad videos. YouTube Kids is the most restrictive but only works on tablets and phones. Family Link gives you the most control over what your child can watch on any device, including computers and phones, but requires setup on both your device and theirs.
None of these methods are perfect. Videos slip through filters, and determined kids can find ways around them. The strongest approach combines one of these tools with talking to your child about what they watch and checking their history regularly.
Key Takeaways
- Restricted Mode filters mature content across YouTube but does not block everything inappropriate and can be turned off by anyone with access to the account.
- YouTube Kids is a separate app that reviews videos before they appear and includes parental controls, but only works on phones and tablets, not computers.
- Family Link lets you set screen time limits and content restrictions across all of your child's devices from your own phone or computer.
- No filter catches everything—checking your child's watch history and talking about what they see is as important as the tool you choose.
Restricted Mode: the easiest option, but limited protection
Restricted Mode is a YouTube setting that filters out videos marked as mature. It is built into YouTube itself, not a separate app. To turn it on, scroll to the bottom of any YouTube page on a computer, click your profile picture, and select "Restricted Mode." Toggle it on. On a phone or tablet using the YouTube app, tap your profile picture, go to Settings, then Restricted Mode, and turn it on.
Once Restricted Mode is on, YouTube will not show videos tagged as mature content in search results, recommendations, or the home feed. The filter applies to whoever is logged into that account on that device. If your child uses a shared device or knows the password, they can turn it off themselves. Restricted Mode also does not catch everything—videos that should be filtered sometimes appear anyway, and some inappropriate content is not tagged as mature.
Restricted Mode is free and takes 30 seconds to set up, which makes it useful as a first step. But if your child has their own account or device, it is not enough on its own.
YouTube Kids: the most filtered option, but only on mobile devices
YouTube Kids is a separate app designed specifically for children. It is available on phones and tablets running iOS or Android. YouTube reviews videos before they appear in the app, which means far fewer inappropriate videos get through compared to the main YouTube app. You can set it to one of four content levels: Toddlers (ages 4 and under), Preschool (ages 5–7), Older Kids (ages 8–12), or Teens (ages 13+).
YouTube Kids also includes parental controls built into the app itself. You can set a daily screen time limit, require a PIN to unlock more time, turn off search entirely so your child can only watch videos you or YouTube have pre-approved, and see what your child has watched. You can also block specific videos or channels directly from the app.
The main limitation is that YouTube Kids only works on phones and tablets. If your child watches YouTube on a computer or a smart TV, you will need a different tool. YouTube Kids is free to download, though YouTube Premium (YouTube's paid subscription) removes ads from the app.
Family Link: control across all devices from your phone
Family Link is Google's parental control app that works on phones, tablets, and computers. You install it on your own device and on your child's device. From your phone, you can set content restrictions, manage screen time, see what apps your child uses, and lock their device remotely.
To set up Family Link, download the app on both your phone and your child's device. Sign in with your Google account on your phone, then create a supervised Google account for your child on their device (or link an existing one). Once that is done, you can open Family Link on your phone and set restrictions. For YouTube specifically, you can choose between "Allow all content," "Block mature content," or "Block all content." The "Block mature content" setting uses YouTube's own content filters, similar to Restricted Mode but applied across all devices your child uses.
Family Link also lets you set daily screen time limits, see which apps your child uses and for how long, and approve or block app downloads from the Google Play Store. You can lock the device remotely if needed. Unlike Restricted Mode, your child cannot turn off Family Link without your PIN.
Comparing the three options side by side
| Tool | Where it works | How much it blocks | Can your child turn it off? | Other features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted Mode | YouTube on any device | Filters mature videos, but misses some | Yes, if they know the password | None |
| YouTube Kids | Phones and tablets only | Most restrictive; YouTube reviews videos | No, if you set a PIN | Screen time limits, watch history, block specific videos |
| Family Link | Phones, tablets, computers | Filters mature videos; can block all content | No, if you set a PIN | Screen time limits, app monitoring, remote lock, app approval |
What to do if your child finds a way around the filter
If your child turns off Restricted Mode, creates a new account without filters, or watches on a device you do not control, the technical tools alone will not work. The next step is a conversation about what they are watching and why. Ask what videos they are looking for and what they saw that concerned you. Kids often do not realize why something is inappropriate, and explaining it directly is more effective than just blocking it.
You can also check your child's watch history regularly. On YouTube, click your profile picture, select "History," and you will see everything watched on that account. YouTube Kids shows watch history in the parental controls section of the app. If you see videos that should not have gotten through, you can block that channel or report the video to YouTube.
For older kids who want more freedom, consider a compromise: allow them to watch YouTube with fewer restrictions in exchange for checking their history weekly. This teaches them that you trust them while keeping you informed.
Which option to choose based on your situation
If your child is under 8 and only watches on a phone or tablet, YouTube Kids is the simplest choice. It requires almost no setup beyond downloading the app, and it filters the most content. Set a PIN so your child cannot turn it off.
If your child uses multiple devices or watches on a computer, Family Link is the better option. It works everywhere and gives you visibility into what they are doing across all their devices. The setup takes about 10 minutes but is worth it if screen time is a concern.
If you just want a quick first step and your child does not have their own account, turn on Restricted Mode on the shared device. It is not a complete solution, but it removes the most obvious bad content with no setup.
Many families use more than one tool. For example, you might use YouTube Kids on a tablet and Family Link on a phone, or Restricted Mode on a shared computer plus Family Link on your child's own device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child turn off these filters?
Restricted Mode can be turned off by anyone who knows the account password. YouTube Kids and Family Link require a PIN to disable, which you set. If your child knows your PIN or password, they can get around any of these tools. The strongest approach is to keep your PIN private and check watch history regularly.
Will these filters block all bad content?
No. Filters catch most obviously inappropriate videos, but some slip through because they are not tagged correctly or because the algorithm misses them. YouTube Kids has the best track record because humans review videos, but it is still not perfect. Checking your child's watch history is important because the filter alone is not enough.
What is the difference between YouTube Kids and the YouTube app with Restricted Mode?
YouTube Kids reviews videos before they appear and limits the total amount of content available. The YouTube app with Restricted Mode shows most of YouTube but filters out videos marked as mature. YouTube Kids is more restrictive but only works on phones and tablets. The main YouTube app works on computers and smart TVs.
Can I see what my child watches with these tools?
Yes. YouTube Kids and Family Link both show watch history in the parental controls section. Restricted Mode does not have a built-in history view, but you can check the account's YouTube history by clicking your profile picture and selecting "History" on any YouTube page.
Do I need a Google account to set up Family Link?
Yes. Family Link requires a Google account for you and a supervised Google account for your child. If your child already has a Gmail address or uses Google services at school, you can link Family Link to that account instead of creating a new one.