YouTube lets parents limit or block Shorts for teens

Parents can now set a daily time limit for YouTube Shorts, including an option to block Shorts entirely. (AP Photo/Lai Seng Sin, File)

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Short-form video has become one of the most addictive parts of social media, especially for teens.The constant scroll can make it hard to stop watching, even when kids are supposed to be studying or winding down for bed.YouTube says thenew controlsrespond to feedback from parents, advocates, and lawmakers who want stronger safeguards for young users.The goal is to give families flexibility instead of forcing an all-or-nothing approach.

What parents can now control on YouTube

If you supervise a teen’s Google account, you can now:

• Set adaily time limit for YouTube Shorts
• Block Shorts entirelyby setting the limit tozero minutes
• Turn onbedtime reminders
• Enabletake-a-break alerts
• Manage supervised teen accounts acrossmultiple devices

YouTube also says it is adjusting howcontentis recommended to teens, placing more emphasis on videos tied to curiosity, life skills, inspiration, and credible information that supports well-being.

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How parents limit or block YouTube Shorts for teens

Before you start, make sure:

• Your teen is using asupervised Google account
• You have access toGoogle Family Link
• Your teen issigned into YouTube on their device with that supervised account

Step-by-step instructions

• Open theGoogle Family Linkapp on your phone or tablet (iPhone or Android).
• Tap yourteen’s profile.
• TapControls, then selectYouTube.If YouTube does not appear, confirm the account is set up as supervised.
• If YouTube does not appear, confirm the account is set up as supervised.
• TapScreen timeorShorts settings.
• Find the option labeledShorts daily limit.
• Choose how much time your teen can scroll Shorts each day:Set atime limitto allow limited scrollingSet the limit tozero minutesto block Shorts entirely
• Set atime limitto allow limited scrolling
• Set the limit tozero minutesto block Shorts entirely
• In the same section, turn on:Take a break remindersBedtime reminders
• Take a break reminders
• Bedtime reminders
• Confirm your changes.

The new limits apply immediately.

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YouTube’s supervised account settings let parents choose age-appropriate content and manage how teens experience the platform.(StockPlanets/Getty Images)

What happens when your teen reaches the Shorts limit

Once the daily limit is reached:

• TheShorts feed locks
• Amessageexplains that the daily limit has been reached
• Shorts unlock automatically thenext day

Regular, long-form YouTube videos remain available unless yourestrict themseparately through screen-time controls.

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Important things parents should know

• Teenscannot change or bypassShorts limits on their own
• Limits apply acrossall devicessigned into the supervised account
• Shorts controls areseparatefrom overall YouTube screen-time limits
• Blocking Shorts doesnotblock standard YouTube videos

Other parental tools worth checking

Beyond Shorts, parents can also:

• Turn offautoplay
• Reviewwatchandsearch history
• Adjustcontent recommendations
• Pause YouTube duringhomeworkorsleep hours

These options are managed through Google Family Link, with guidance and account setup available in YouTube’s Family Center.

What this means to you

If you are a parent or guardian, these controls give you more practical ways to manage screen time without banning YouTube entirely.You can limit Shorts during school nights, allow more time on long trips, or block them when focus matters most.Instead of relying on willpower alone, families now have built-in tools that help reinforce healthy habits.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Short-form video is not going away, but the way teens interact with it can change.YouTube’s new parental controls show a shift toward giving families more flexibility and clearer boundaries.Used alongside conversations about online habits, these tools can make a real difference.Oh, and be sure to check out my new“Beyond Connected”podcast on YouTube.

YouTube says these new parental controls are designed to reduce endless scrolling and support healthier viewing habits for teens.(Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How much control do you think parents should have over teens’ screen time, and where should the line be drawn?Let us know by writing to us atCyberguy.com.

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