YouTube is introducing updates and partnerships aimed at supporting the unique needs of teenagers on its platform. These updates are designed to prioritize the safety, privacy, and wellbeing of teen users.
Support from Youth, Parenting, and Mental Health Experts:
YouTube has been working closely with its Youth and Families Advisory Committee, which consists of independent experts in various fields, including child development, digital learning, and children’s media.
The Advisory Committee provides insights into the developmental stages of teenagers and how online content can impact their wellbeing.
Safeguards for Teen Content Recommendations:
Teenagers are more susceptible to forming negative beliefs about themselves when exposed to repeated messages about ideal standards in online content.
YouTube is implementing safeguards for content recommendations to teens while still allowing them to explore their interests.
Categories of content that could be problematic for teens if viewed repeatedly, such as content comparing physical features, idealizing specific fitness levels, or displaying social aggression, will have limited repeated recommendations in the United States and other countries over the next year.
Updated Digital Wellbeing Features:
YouTube is revamping its “Take a Break” and “Bedtime” reminders to make them more visually prominent and frequent.
These features will appear as full-screen takeovers for viewers under 18, with default settings for “Take a Break” reminders every 60 minutes.
Users can adjust digital wellbeing tools based on their family’s preferences.
These updates and partnerships are part of YouTube’s ongoing efforts to create age-appropriate and safer experiences on the platform. The goal is to provide teens with a positive and responsible digital environment while protecting their mental health and wellbeing.
The platform is also actively enforcing its Community Guidelines to remove content that violates policies on child safety, eating disorders, hate speech, and harassment.
YouTube’s commitment to supporting the unique needs of teen users underscores its dedication to their safety and wellbeing while using the platform.
