What is it? The most popular video streaming site and application. Why teens like it? Teens can upload and watch videos. Parental concerns? Some videos contain pornographic material. It is very easy for kids to stumble upon pornographic or violent content. Let’s face it. YouTube is everywhere. Unfortunately, pornography is everywhere too. YouTube can be a fun and educational video-streaming website, but it can also be the site that introduces your child to pornographic content. It’s sad that parents have to worry about their 8 year-old’s Minecraft videos leading them to porn. (There are YouTube videos labeled “Minecraft Porn” which display the popular videogame characters performing sexual acts.) What can you do to protect your children from accidentally stumbling upon pornographic content via YouTube? Here are a couple practical options: 1.) Delete the YouTube app entirely off your child’s phone and block access to the website in the phone settings. Get step-by-step instructions for how to do this on apple devices by clicking here. 2.) Set up basic restrictions in the YouTube app or desktop site. 3.) Block the YouTube app, but allow them to access the YouTube site via a filtered internet browser. Click here for an easy free way to set up web filtering in minutes via OpenDNS. Click here for information on Covenant Eyes filtering and accountability software. 4.) Block the YouTube app and download the much safer “YouTube Kids” app. This app allows you to block adult content and set time restrictions. 5.) Don’t allow your child to have a cell phone. 6.) Smash your child’s cell phone with a hammer. I hope these tips helped you make an informed decision about YouTube. Please share this with other parents and be sure to check out our colorful and creative resource to help parents speak to their children about the harms of pornography and the beauty of authentic love. God bless!
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