By: Meghan Mathias
Watching YouTube is quickly becoming the new version of watching TV. Kids adore Youtube and idolize YouTubers, sometimes spending hours upon hours consuming content on the website. Unfortunately, the content they consume might not be educational or stimulating in any way.
Even more concerning, it is a lot harder to control the type of content your child is consuming when they’re browsing YouTube because many videos marketed for kids can often include inappropriate and dangerous content as far as halfway through the video. A study by Common Sense Media found that 27% of videos watched by kids aged 8 and under are intended for older target audiences, with violence being the most likely negative content type.
Although Youtube is making strides to negate this type of content being available to kids, such as having real humans review and verify videos that are child appropriate, it would still be nice to know which sides of the website you can always trust. Here are some Youtube channels you can count on to be kid-friendly and educational.
- Smithsonian Channel
- WordWorldPBS
- The Brain Scoop
- Sesame Street
- TED-Ed
- SciShow
- Smart Girls
- National Geographic Kids
- Crash Course Kids
Discussion Questions
- What is your favorite Youtube channel and why do you love it?
- Who is your favorite YouTuber? Do you think they’re good role models?
- Have you ever accidentally watched something you felt like you shouldn’t have on Youtube?
- What are some steps you can take when you accidentally click on an inappropriate video on Youtube?
Sources
- https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/parents-ultimate-guide-to-youtube-kids#:~:text=YouTube%20Kids%20is%20mostly%20safe,for%20stuff%20like%20junk%20food.&text=On%20the%20plus%20side%20for,block%20and%20report%20inappropriate%20videos.
- https://www.weareteachers.com/educational-youtube-channels/
- https://www.learningliftoff.com/the-best-educational-youtube-channels-for-kids/
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