YouTube parental controls: YouTube Kids vs supervised
By Lewis C. Checked against Google's YouTube help pages on 1 October 2026. We wrote this from the official guide and haven't yet checked every screen on our own device. Spot a menu that doesn't match? Tell us.
Quick answer
For under-9s, use the YouTube Kids app on the right content level, and switch to approved content only if you want to pick every video. For roughly 9 to 12, a supervised account on normal YouTube set to "Older kids" works better. Plain YouTube on a family tablet has none of these limits, and it's where kids find things like Skibidi Toilet.
The three options
Up to 12
YouTube Kids
A separate app. Pick Preschool (4 and under), Younger (5 to 8) or Older (9 to 12). You can turn search off, block videos, set a timer, or switch to approved content only.
Under 13
Supervised account
Normal YouTube with fewer features, managed from your Google account. Pick Older kids (about 9+), Teens (13+) or Older teens (16+).
13 to 17
Supervised teen account
Their own normal account, linked to yours. No content settings. You see insights into their channel activity.
Setting up YouTube Kids
- Install YouTube Kids on the device and sign in with your Google account.
- Create a profile for your child and pick a content level: Preschool, Younger or Older.
- Decide on search. Turning it off keeps them to what the app recommends.
- Set the timer if you want the app to stop after a set time.
Want full control? In the app's settings, pick your child's profile and choose Approve content yourself. They can then only watch videos, channels and collections you've hand-picked, and search switches off. You add to the list any time from Manage.
Setting up a supervised account
- Open the YouTube app signed in as you, go to Settings, then Family Center.
- Choose add a kid account and follow the steps. You can also do it from Google Family Link under Controls, then YouTube.
- Pick a content setting: Older kids (about 9+), Teens (about 13+) or Older teens (about 16+).
- Block any channel you don't want them watching.
What no setting fixes
Google says plainly that not every video in YouTube Kids has been reviewed by a person. Things slip through, so block and report them when they do. The other gap is the family tablet: if it's signed in to your own YouTube account, none of the above applies. Give your child their own profile, and sign yours out.
Questions parents ask
What age is YouTube Kids for?
Children up to 12. It has three content levels: Preschool for 4 and under, Younger for 5 to 8, and Older for 9 to 12.
Can I choose exactly what my child watches on YouTube Kids?
Yes. Switch the profile to 'Approve content yourself'. Your child can then only watch the videos, channels and collections you've picked, and search is turned off.
Is YouTube Kids completely safe?
No filter is perfect. Google says its systems and reviewers work to keep unsuitable videos out, but not every video has been checked by a person. Block and report anything that slips through.
My child is 10 and finds YouTube Kids babyish. What now?
A supervised account gives them normal YouTube with limits. Set it to 'Older kids', which is aimed at about 9 and up, from Family Center in the YouTube app or from Google Family Link.