A guide to parental controls on YouTube without hovering

YouTube is a wonderland of music videos, experiments, how-to guides, and funny videos, but that same endless library can lead kids to content that’s anything but child-friendly.  

Recent Ofcom research shows that YouTube is the first port of call for many kids when watching TV content, and more than seven in ten parents are concerned their child would be unable to distinguish between real and fake content online.  

• Parental controls make YouTube safer: Use Restricted Mode, YouTube Kids, and supervised Google accounts to filter content automatically.

• Screen time and privacy matter: Set daily limits and adjust privacy settings to protect data and encourage healthy viewing habits. 

• Teach kids digital awareness: Conversations about clickbait, reporting videos, and online safety help children make smarter choices. 

• Layer protection at home: Combine device-level controls with router filters or third-party apps for comprehensive safety without hovering. 

Below are eight simple, practical ways to make your kids’ YouTube experience safe, without having to hover over every click.

1. Turn on Restricted Mode

Restricted Mode helps to filter out inappropriate videos by filtering content that’s been flagged as mature or reported by other users. Because of the volume of uploads on YouTube, it isn’t 100% effective, but it’s a strong first layer of protection.  

• On desktop: scroll to the bottom of any YouTube page, toggle Restricted Mode on. 

• On mobile: head to Settings → General → Restricted Mode. 

2. Create profiles in YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids is built with younger viewers in mind, offering a hand-picked library of age-appropriate videos and channels. It’s the simplest way to let children under 13 explore their interests safely. 

• Choose an age group. In Settings, select Preschool (4 and under), Younger (5–8), or Older (9–12) to automatically filter content to their age. 

• Lock the settings. Protect everything with a PIN so only you can make changes. 

• Mobile setup: Open the YouTube Kids app → Settings → solve passcode → select profile → edit settings. 

3. Advanced YouTube Kids settings

These advanced settings work together to keep children focused on safe, age-appropriate content. 

• Approved content only: Manually add specific videos or channels if you prefer a fully customised experience. In this setting, your child can’t search for any videos on YouTube Kids. 

• Turn off Search: Restrict them to verified content. Disabling Search prevents them from typing in queries that could lead to inappropriate content. 

• Turn off Autoplay: Stops videos from automatically playing, reducing the chance of stumbling upon unsuitable content. Gives you more control over what your child watches next, while encouraging mindful, intentional viewing.

4. Set up a parent code on your TV

Adding a Parent Code to the YouTube app on your smart TV stops kids from watching while signed out or sneaking into accounts meant for older household members. It won’t affect other signed-in devices, and it isn’t the same as your Google Account password. 

To turn on or reset your Parent Code: 

1. Open the YouTube app on your TV. 

2. Go to Settings → Parent code. 

3. Follow the on-screen steps to create or reset a 4-digit code. 

Once enabled, this code is required to: 

• Watch YouTube while signed out 

• Access accounts for household members over 13

• Remove accounts from the TV 

To remove the Parent Code: 

1. In the YouTube TV app, open Settings → Parent code. 

2. Select Off, then enter your 4-digit code. 

After you switch it off, anyone using the TV can watch signed out, access older members’ accounts, and remove profiles without restrictions.

5. Set up a supervised Google Account

If your child is 13 or older, they might be ready to transition from YouTube Kids to the regular platform. Setting up a supervised Google Account gives you built-in control over how your child uses YouTube and other Google services.  

Through Google Family Link, you can: 

• Approve or block app downloads and installs. 

• View watch history and search activity. 

• Set custom content filters and time limits 

When you create the account, pick a strong, unique password and add a recovery email so only you can tweak the settings.

6. Fine-tune privacy and screen time

Parental controls don’t stop at YouTube’s own settings. Use your child’s phone’s built-in tools: iOS Screen Time or Android Digital Wellbeing, to set daily viewing limits. A gentle nudge when the timer runs out can prevent those marathon cartoon binges. 

While you’re there, tighten privacy: 

• Turn off location history to keep their whereabouts private 

• Disable personalised ads where possible to reduce tracking 

• Keep watch history on so you can spot patterns, but limit what data gets shared outside the family.

7. Add extra protection at home

House-wide safeguards mean you’re not chasing settings on every single device. Network-level controls stop unsuitable content before it even reaches your devices, and they work for every member of the household. 

Most modern routers let you block adult sites, violent material, and filter unsafe content. If you’re a Virgin Media customer, Essential Security is included with every package. It automatically blocks phishing sites, viruses, and other malicious content across the whole network, no extra setup needed.  

You can also add Virgin Media Parental Controls to filter specific websites or keywords, giving you fine-grained control without touching each device.

8. Teach your kids to spot red flags

Parental controls can block a lot, but teaching your kid how to protect themselves will give them the confidence to recognise red flags when browsing YouTube. Chat about: 

• Clickbait: Eye-catching thumbnails that hide dodgy content. 

• Comments & chats: why they shouldn’t respond to strangers or share personal details 

• Report inappropriate content: how to block or flag a video or channel that feels unsafe or upsettings. 

Internet Matters stresses that early, open conversations make children far more likely to speak up if something feels off. 

Keeping kids protected on YouTube is easier when your broadband has safety built in. Every Virgin Media package includes Essential Security at no extra cost, blocking phishing sites, viruses and other malicious content before they reach your devices.  

Add our Parental Controls and content filters, and you can manage what children can see across every screen in your home, not just YouTube. 

Pair Essential Security with the tips above, and you’ll create a browsing experience that’s as secure as it is speedy. With Virgin Media’s ultrafast broadband and always-on protection, the whole family can explore, learn, and stream without a single worry.