YouTube Just Streamlined Its Parental Controls to Ensure Screen Time Is Age-Appropriate

"Parents can choose any video, channel or collection of channels they like by tapping the '+' button," said Beser (the "+" sign tap is demonstrated in the GIF above). "Parents can also search for a specific creator or video. If parents choose to enable this mode, their kids will not be able to search for content on their own."

"YouTube Kids is growing up with our users. We have launched a new experience geared toward 8-12-year-olds that includes additional new content, like popular music and gaming videos," Beser wrote. "If parents think their kids are ready, they can pick this 'Older' version when setting up a new profile or updating an existing profile. The 'Younger' version is the default content experience and will continue to have a wide selection of singalongs and age-appropriate learning videos."

The YouTube team notes that no system is perfect, so if you or your child stumbles across something that isn't age-appropriate in either the "Younger" or "Older" setting, "we ask that parents block and flag the video for review by our team. This makes YouTube Kids better for everyone."

On the top right, see the options for "Younger," "Older," or "Approved Content Only." You can change between each of these settings — and play with any of the other parental controls — at any time by visiting your child's profile.