YouTube Unveils Next-Level Tools for Teens’ Digital Wellbeing

In a digital age where safeguarding the mental health of underage users is paramount, YouTube has stepped up its game with a host of innovative features. On Safer Internet Day (February 6), the social media platform unveiled a range of tools aimed at protecting the mental wellbeing of its young audience.

Autoplay Control and Time Management

For teenage users, autoplay is automatically disabled to prevent them from spiraling down the internet rabbit hole. Additionally, features such as prompts for breaks and scheduled “bedtime” reminders aim to strike a balance between screen time and wellness. These features, first introduced in 2018, have since been adopted by platforms like Instagram.

Addressing Concerns: YouTube’s Response to Online Safety

As child safety online gains traction, particularly during the Biden presidency, YouTube has bolstered its efforts to address mental health concerns. Collaborating with its Youth and Families Advisory Committee, the platform has introduced new policies, including measures to limit exposure to “idealized body standards” and a set of guiding principles for youth safety. The latest addition to YouTube’s repertoire of research is a report on internet mental health co-authored by the World Health Organization.

Committed to Family Wellbeing

In a statement on Safer Internet Day, YouTube highlighted its ongoing commitment to supporting families in navigating the digital landscape. “Our existing digital wellbeing tools have helped parents around the world strike the right balance for their families since 2018,” the post reads, “and we’ve continued to invest and improve on these tools over the years to make them even more relevant for teens.”