YouTube has announced a series of new features designed to give parents greater control over what their children watch, and for how long. The updates focus especially on YouTube Shorts, the platform’s fast-growing short-form video format, which has become highly popular among children and teenagers worldwide.
The company says these changes are part of a broader effort to support healthier digital habits and more age-appropriate viewing experiences for younger users.
Screen Time Limits for YouTube Shorts
One of the most significant additions is a new screen time limit feature. This tool will be available on supervised accounts used by children and younger teenagers.
Through this feature, parents will be able to set a daily limit on how long their children can scroll through YouTube Shorts. According to YouTube, parents can currently set a limit of up to 60 minutes per day.
Once the time limit is reached, Shorts viewing will pause. This makes it harder for children to continue endless scrolling, which many experts link to reduced attention spans and increased screen dependency.
In addition, YouTube plans to give parents the option to permanently set this limit to zero. This would completely disable Shorts viewing if families prefer stricter controls.
Bedtime and Break Reminders
Alongside time limits, parents will also be able to use bedtime reminders and break reminders. These features encourage children to stop watching videos at certain times, such as late at night or during study hours.
The company says the goal is to help improve sleep quality and overall well-being. Excessive late-night screen use has been widely linked to poor sleep patterns, especially among young people.
By offering these reminders, YouTube hopes families can create healthier routines without completely banning digital entertainment.
Industry-First Controls, Says YouTube
YouTube describes these tools as the first of their kind in the industry. According to the company, they provide parents with more consistent and meaningful control over short-form video consumption.
Short videos, while entertaining, can be more addictive due to their rapid pace. Therefore, YouTube says focused controls were necessary rather than general screen limits alone.
These features reflect growing pressure on tech companies to take responsibility for children’s digital well-being.
Easier Account Switching for Families
Another important update is a new easy account switching feature. YouTube says many families share smartphones and tablets, which often makes switching between accounts frustrating.
To address this, YouTube will introduce a simplified sign-up process in the coming weeks. Parents will be able to create accounts for their children more easily.
Moreover, the mobile app will allow users to switch between family members’ accounts in just a few clicks. This reduces the risk of children accidentally accessing adult accounts.
Age-Appropriate Content for Every User
YouTube says the new system will ensure that each family member receives content recommendations based on their age. Content filters and settings will be applied automatically to each account.
This means children will see videos suited to their developmental stage, while adults retain unrestricted access.
As a result, shared devices will become safer and more personalized for everyone in the household.
New Guidelines for Youth-Focused Creators
Beyond parental controls, YouTube is also introducing new quality standards for creators who produce content for younger audiences.
The company is launching detailed guidelines to help creators make videos that are engaging, age-appropriate, and high in quality. These rules aim to discourage low-value or misleading content.
Importantly, the guidelines were developed with help from global experts. Partners include the American Psychological Association and Boston Children’s Hospital’s Digital Wellness Lab.
Promoting Education Alongside Entertainment
YouTube says these guidelines will help its recommendation system prioritize educational and inspiring videos. The aim is to strike a healthier balance between fun and learning.
By promoting positive content, YouTube hopes young users can benefit from the platform rather than becoming overwhelmed by it.
Overall, the updates signal a shift toward stronger parental involvement and greater accountability. As children spend more time online, such measures may play a key role in shaping safer digital environments.
