How we decided on YouTube

Our safety checks

YouTube fails 2 of our 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?

   ! Only from 13

   Rated 13+ by Common Sense Media. Rule 2

3. Can you stop strangers contacting your child?

   ✗ No

   YouTube has no private messages, but teens can comment and use live chat, where strangers can reply. Teen supervision can be switched off by the teen at any time. Rule 3Source

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

   ✗ No

   Still high risk with every control on: contact from strangers. 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

   Paid features like YouTube Premium, channel memberships and Super Chat are bought through Apple, Google or a card, and app stores let parents require approval for every purchase. Rule 6Source

7. Is everything checked before children see it?

   ! No

   Anyone can upload videos, and recommendations are picked automatically. Videos aren’t checked by a person before children see them. So the best we can say is “only with conditions”. Rule 7