YouTube is rolling out new parental controls that allow guardians to manage and even completely block access to its short-form video feature, Shorts, for teen and child accounts. This move, described by the company as an "industry-first," gives parents the ability to set time limits for Shorts viewing, including setting the timer to zero to disable the feed entirely.
The update is part of a broader initiative to provide families with more tailored and age-appropriate experiences on the platform. In addition to the Shorts controls, YouTube is enabling take-a-break and bedtime reminders by default for users aged 13-17. The platform is also adjusting its recommendation algorithm to promote more "enriching" and age-appropriate content for teenagers.