How we decided on YouTube Kids

Our safety checks

YouTube Kids passes all 7 safety checks. We apply the same strict rules to every app and game.

1. Could we confirm every fact?

   ✓ Yes

   Every fact below links to its source. Rule 1

2. Is your child old enough for the official ratings?

   ✓ Yes

   Rated 7+ by Common Sense Media. Our minimum age is 7. Rule 2

3. Can you stop strangers contacting your child?

   ✓ Yes

   Children can’t comment, chat or message in YouTube Kids. The App Store lists advertising and videos made by other people, but no messaging or chat. Rule 3Source

4. Is every risk under control once settings are on?

   ✓ Yes

   No risk stays high once every control is on. Rule 4

5. Is its child-safety record clear?

   ✓ Yes

   We searched for regulator, government and court action over grooming or child exploitation against YouTube and Google in October 2026 and found none. YouTube does face cases over addiction, children’s data and Australia’s under-16 rules, which are covered in the news below. Rule 5

6. Can you stop all spending?

   ✓ Yes

   There’s nothing for children to buy in YouTube Kids. The App Store lists no in-app purchases. Rule 6Source

7. Is everything checked before children see it?

   ! No

   Videos are picked by YouTube’s automated systems. Search results aren’t checked by a person, and only some home-screen videos are. So the best we can say is “only with conditions”. Rule 7Source